Citation

McIntyre RS, Parikh SV, Kennedy SH. Primary Care Psychiatry 1999; 5(2): 41-48.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Lithium's role in the treatment of bipolar disorder requires reappraisal in light of clinical observations of less than adequate usefulness in naturalistic settings, reanalysis of the early efficacy studies and the emergence of promising alternative treatments. Lithium's role as a primary and augmentation treatment in mood disorder will be reviewed along with its potential for nephrotoxicity and teratogenecity. The notion of 'clinical toxicity', i.e lithium discontinuation-induced mania and optimal lithium dosing regimens is considered. Finally, the possibility of mortality-lowering effects of lithium will be reviewed along with future prospect for this ion.

Language: en

Keywords

Augmentation; clinical observation; drug development; Efficacy; human; lithium; Lithium; manic depressive psychosis; mortality; nephrotoxicity; priority journal; Renal toxicity; review; Suicide; teratogenicity; Teratogenicity; Withdrawal