Medical comorbidity, acute medical care use in late-life bipolar disorder: a comparison of lithium, valproate, and other pharmacotherapies

There were high rates of health service use for medical conditions among older adults with bipolar disorder, but this did not appear to be associated with lithium use, compared to valproate and other medication use (e.g., antipsychotics). A proactive collaborative care approach may prevent medical service utilization in severe late-life bipolar disorder.