Aging Matters
Jeanne M. Sorrell, PhD, RN, FAAN
- Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
- July 2011 - Volume 49 · Issue 7: 21-25
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DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20110602-01
Abstract
Bipolar disorder is a recurrent, chronic mental illness that has a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families and may require extensive use of mental health services. Although bipolar disorder is often considered an illness of young people, the disorder is being recognized as more common in older adults than previously thought. Much more research needs to be done to understand the impact of aging on the course and treatment of bipolar disorder. Evidence-based interventions for treatment of this disorder in older adults must be developed. Mental health nurses can play a key role in enhancing medication adherence, implementing structured psychosocial interventions, and carrying out research to enhance diagnosis and treatment of older adults with bipolar disorder.
AUTHORS
Dr. Sorrell is Senior Nurse Researcher, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Jeanne M. Sorrell, PhD, RN, FAAN, Senior Nurse Researcher, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195; e-mail: .jsorrell@gmu.edu
doi: 10.3928/02793695-20110602-01