Variability of response to lithium augmentation in refractory depression.
Eighty-four patients with major depression refractory to a controlled antidepressant trial had lithium added to their ongoing treatment. Objective symptom ratings showed highly significant improvement in the sample as a whole. At discharge or after 24 days, 31% of the patients showed a marked response, 25% a partial response. Thus, 56% of patients had a significant positive response, while 44% were nonresponders. This study indicates that response to lithium augmentation may be quite variable and a 3-week trial is necessary to assess full benefit.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013997:Time Factors
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008094:Lithium