# Suspected geriatric onset of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a patient with comorbid bipolar disorder

## TL;DR

A 64-year-old woman with bipolar disorder was diagnosed with suspected geriatric-onset ADHD and successfully treated with combined medications.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the rare but possible co-occurrence of geriatric-onset ADHD and bipolar disorder.

## Key findings

- ADHD suspected of geriatric onset can occur in patients with comorbid bipolar disorder.
- Psychostimulant medications can be safely used in geriatric patients with bipolar disorder.
- Comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder may be underrecognized in older adults.

## Abstract

An increasing number of adults over 60 years old are presenting with requests for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the prevalence of ADHD in older adults in geriatrics is unknown. Further, comorbid bipolar disorder and adult ADHD are likely underrecognized with many patients only receiving treatment for one of these conditions. The occurrence of bipolar disorder with geriatric onset ADHD is unknown.

A 64-year-old Hispanic woman with a psychiatric history of bipolar I disorder (diagnosed in early adulthood) was diagnosed with ADHD suspected of geriatric onset, and able to be successfully managed on concurrent mood stabilizers and psychostimulant medication.

The findings of this case report emphasize the importance of appropriately recognizing and treating comorbid ADHD and bipolar disorder in any age group, including the geriatric population for which this occurrence appears to be very rare. Additionally, this case report demonstrates the safe utilization of psychostimulant medications in a geriatric patient with bipolar disorder without inducing a manic episode or other significant adverse reactions.