Treatment of One Case of Elderly Manic Episode Developed after Retirement

ABSTRACT

The authers reported one case of manic episode that occured after retirement in a 63 year old male patient. There was no psychiatric past history and family history. Also there was no abnormal finding on laboratory examination. This patient had received small doses of antidepressants anxiolytic and hypnotic (amitriptyline 10 mg, lorazepam 0.5 mg, triazolam 0.25 mg) to control insomnia since 3 months ago before admission. This patient showed manic symptoms such as grandious idea, expansive and irritable mood, increased psychomotor activity and insomnia after retirement. Pharmacotherapy (lithium and chloropromazine) supportive psychotherapy and family therapy were administered. Excessive motivation for work after retirement and small dose of antidepressant were suspected to trigger a manic episode in this elderly patient. We also reviewed literatures about pathophysiology of elderly manic disorder.