[Mania in an elderly subject: II. -- the evolution of manic-depressive disease].

The occurrence of mania in the elderly is under-estimated. Mania may inaugurate a late-onset bipolar illness, extend a unipolar depressive disorder or rarely continue a early-onset bipolar illness. Early-onset bipolar illness frequently disappear after 60 years or is prolonged by reccurrent depression. Late-onset bipolar illness may be preceded by slight disturbances of mood. These modalities underline two of the various evolutions of bipolar illness. Only a prospective follow-up study could specify it.