Chapter 8 Special populations
Lakshmi N Yatham and
Gin S Malhi
- • Diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children is challenging; comprehensive assessment and prospective follow up may be necessary in some cases to make a definitive diagnosis
- • First episode mania in elderly is uncommon; rule out organic causes before making a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in the elderly
- • Few studies systematically assessed the efficacy of medications in children, elderly, pregnant and postpartum women with bipolar disorder; treatment decisions must carefully weigh risk and benefit ratio.