Comorbidity in bipolar disorder among the elderly: Results from an epidemiological community sample

Objective: This study sought to determine psychiatric comorbidity among elderly individuals with bipolar disorder. Method: An epidemiological community survey identified 84 elderly (ages >= 65) respondents with bipolar disorder, 1,327 younger adults with bipolar disorder, and 8,121 elderly respondents without bipolar disorder. Results: Elderly respondents with bipolar disorder reported lifetime and 12-month rates of comorbid alcohol use disorders (38.1%, 38.1%, respectively), dysthymia (15.5%, 7.1%), generalized anxiety disorder (20.5%, 9.5%), and panic disorder (19.0%, 11.9%) that were significantly higher than among elderly respondents without bipolar disorder. They had lower lifetime and 12-month rates of alcohol use disorders and lower 12-month rates of dysthymia and panic disorder than younger adults with bipolar disorder. Elderly men with bipolar disorder reported a greater prevalence of alcoholism; women reported a greater prevalence of panic disorder. Conclusions: Comorbid axis I disorders, including panic disorder, are common among elderly individuals with bipolar disorder.