Citation

Malhi GS, McAulay C, Fritz K. Curr. Treat. Options Psychiatry 2014; 1(3): 294-305.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40501-014-0018-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Arguably, lithium is the only true mood stabilizer and the only medication developed specifically for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Providing effective long-term prophylaxis, in addition to efficacy in acute treatment of mania and bipolar depression, lithium remains a valuable first-line therapeutic choice. Up to a third of patients on lithium treatment achieve complete remission for up to a decade, markedly countering the burden exacted by the illness. Its clinical use also extends to adjunctive therapy as an augmentation strategy in the management of major depression, dysthymia and cyclothymia; contexts within which its uniquely anti-suicidal properties are apposite. Despite these advantages and a burgeoning body of both empirical and scientific research establishing its efficacy, the clinical use of lithium has diminished in recent years because of displacement by newer agents and erroneous concerns regarding long-term side effects and potential for toxicity. Currently, lithium is experiencing a resurgence of interest as researchers attempt to understand its mechanisms of action and better define its clinical efficacy. This paper briefly reviews its current status with respect to the treatment of mood disorders, and argues that its prominent positioning in clinical practice guidelines worldwide is absolutely justified. © 2014, Springer International Publishing AG.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Bipolar disorder; Dementia; Unipolar depression; Mood stabilizer; Prophylaxis; Neuroprotection