The Effects of Bipolar Disorder on Interpersonal Relationships among Geriatric Individuals: A Targeted Review of the Literature
Jacob Sims, Anna Kell
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by frequent mood fluctuations and impulsive decision making that can impact many different aspects of an individual’s daily life. This literature review was conducted to determine the effects of bipolar disorder on the interpersonal relationships of people in the geriatric population. A targeted literature search through PubMed and CINAHL databases yielded seven articles that met the inclusion criteria of the participants being 65 or older, a focus only on bipolar disorder, and the inclusion of interpersonal relationships as a study focus. Results indicate that bipolar disorder increases strain on relationships for older adults with bipolar disorder. Friends, family, and caregivers report experiencing burden during episodes of remission and during manic exacerbations, with people in caregiver roles experiencing the most significant burden. Although, for elderly individuals with bipolar disorder, social interaction with family and friends is one of the strongest contributors to increased quality of life. Psychoeducation decreases the burden felt by the relatives of elderly individuals with bipolar disorder by increasing their understanding of the condition. This literature review was limited due to the relatively small number of articles about interpersonal relationships in bipolar disorder. Little research focused on the effects of bipolar disorder on elderly adults. The results of this review implicate the need for social health to be included more in the plan of care for patients with bipolar disorder in the geriatric population. Future research should focus on how incorporating more aspects of social interaction and interpersonal relationships in the plan of care for elderly clients with bipolar disorder can affect their overall quality of life.
Jacob Sims is a senior nursing student at Lander University graduating in May 2022. He is a member of the Lander University Honors College, Lander University Student Nurses’ Association, National Student Nurses’ Association, Sigma Theta Tau, Alpha Chi International Honors Society, and the Environmental Science Student Organization. After graduation, he plans to start his career at Bon Secours St. Francis at the Downtown Greenville Emergency Room before progressing further in the critical care field.