title: The impact of lithium in South-west Scotland. II. A longitudinal study.
abstract: In a longitudinal study in South-west Scotland of patients suffering mainly from affective illness, the introduction of lithium as prophylactic therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the number and length of hospital in-patient admissions, as well as in the number of courses and total number of electro-convulsive treatments. However, there was no significant reduction in the length of time patients received either antidepressants or major tranquillisers. A rating of individual patients suggested that a bare majority (52%) had improved considerably following the introduction of lithium.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012606:Scotland
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008094:Lithium