Lithium carbonate in the treatment of two patients with infantile autism and atypical bipolar symptomatology.
Two patients with infantile autism by DSM-III criteria and with atypical bipolar symptomatology were treated with lithium carbonate. Both children demonstrated a significant response with levels above 1.0mEq/liter. Factors that may be useful in discovering patients with autism who may respond to lithium treatment include a family history of bipolar illness; extreme hyperactivity not responsive to a stimulant; a definite cyclic component to symptomatic behaviors; sustained laughter, irritability, or giddiness that is not stereotypic; and/or the presence of many or all of the symptom criteria for bipolar disorder.
Department of Neuroscience, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks.
J
J
Kerbeshian
L
L
Burd
W
W
Fisher
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D008094:Lithium