How can I adapt to a bipolar disorder diagnosed in midlife?

Question

Hello, Doctor,

I am 55 years old and was only diagnosed with bipolar disorder a couple of years ago after spending decades being treated for what everyone thought was depression alone. Looking back, a lot of things finally make sense, but I’m still trying to adjust to this new diagnosis. Because of that, I keep asking, “How does a 55-year-old manage bipolar disorder that was only diagnosed in middle age?”

I sometimes feel frustrated thinking about how different life might have been if it had been recognized sooner. My medications are helping, but I’m still learning how to notice early mood changes. I have not figured out what my new normal is yet, and its all still a bit overwhelming.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder are both mood disorders. To understand in a general way, the main difference is that bipolar disorder involves two poles of mood episodes of depression alternating with episodes of mania, while major depressive disorder is characterized only by depressive episodes.

At a deeper neurobiological level, bipolar disorder is associated with dynamic fluctuations in neurotransmitter systems, particularly dopamine, glutamate, and norepinephrine, with their activity increasing during mania and decreasing during bipolar depression.

On the other hand, major depressive disorder is generally associated with reduced serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission, although the underlying neurobiology is more complex than simple neurotransmitter deficiency.

Also, genetic susceptibility is higher in bipolar disorder while lower in depression.

Excessive rumination regarding the past will not change the present, future, or current outcome of illness.

Early warning signs of a breakthrough episode of mania are decreased need of sleep, irritability, racing thoughts, feeling energetic, overly indulging in pleasurable activities, etc., while for a depressive episode, early signs are low mood, anxiety, palpitations, fatigue, nervousness, and sleep disturbances.

A normal mood state is characterized by better social, personal, and occupational functioning with minimal mood changes.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.