Chronic Mania-A Case Report

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a phasic mental disorder characterized by the presence of (hypo) maniac, depressive and/or mixed
episodes during the course of the disease. A 70 year man, with no prior history of depressive episodes, began to suffer
a picture of manic characteristics as an adolescent. Despite the numerous drug treatments prescribed, there has been
no improvement, and the disorder has followed a torpid and chronic course. Chronic unipolar mania is a clinical entity
appearing as a residual characteristic in the current psychiatric nosology. Its low prevalence makes it difficult to carry
out research aimed at elucidating whether it has a subordinate or independent relationship with the bipolar disorder. A
systematic assessment of the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy is needed in these patients.