title: Lithium treatment at 52.
abstract: The paper reviews briefly and comments in detail on selected events in the history of lithium treatment. The events include Cade's discovery of lithium's antimanic action, the discovery and establishment of its prophylactic action, the ensuing debate, amelioration and prevention of side effects and risks, use during pregnancy, non-compliance, selection of patients, information and instruction, the question whether new and better prophylactic agents are about to oust lithium, the use of combination treatment, the effect of lithium on suicidal behavior, the benefits of prophylactic lithium treatment, and the design of future comparative trials.
authors.affiliation: The Psychiatric Hospital, Skovagervej 2, DK-8240 Risskov, Denmark. mogens.schou@inet.uni2.dk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schou
mesh_terms: D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000266:history* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate