title: Determination of the optimal concentration of lithium for the prophylaxis of manic-depressive disorder.
abstract: A group of 29 bipolar manic-depressives completed a 12-month double-blind cross-over trial of low-dose and high-dose lithium prophylaxis. Twelve patients relapsed, and significantly more of the relapses occurred during the low-dose 6-month phase of the trial. There was a trend for relapse to occur within 2 months of an abrupt drop in plasma lithium level, and to occur more often in women than in men. The efficacy of low-dose lithium prophylaxis and the significance of rebound relapse are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008094:Lithium