title: Lithium maintenance treatment of manic-melancholic patients: its role in the daily routine.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the desired and undesired effects of relapse-preventive lithium treatment given routinely to manic-melancholic patients who had accepted the necessity of a strict tablet regime. The evaluation was based upon case record data and various rating scales, and 76 patients took part in the investigation. Our results showed that in 24% of the patients treatment was discontinued. This was due to side effects in 16% and to insufficient effect in 8% of the cases. The suicide risk was not eliminated, and 29% of the patients were receiving additional antidepressive or antimanic treatment at the test day. On the other hand, 78% of the patients rated the relapse-preventive lithium effect as moderate to excellent. Indirect evidence was obtained in support of a stabilizing effect of lithium on the emotional control in bipolar patients. The most frequent complaints during lithium treatment were tremor and increased thirst.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D008094:Lithium