The role of lithium clinics in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar affective disorder is a serious and enduring mental health problem, which is associated with high mortality rates worldwide. Lithium is a first-rank treatment for this disorder but with its narrow therapeutic range and associated risks of toxicity, careful monitoring of its use is mandatory. Lithium clinics ensure that patients using this therapy have access to appropriate monitoring on a regular basis, providing immediate results for lithium level testing. Clinics also provide support and education, encouraging patients to take responsibility for monitoring the side-effects of their treatment.
South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust.
Michael
M
Shaw
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D016903:Drug Monitoring / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management; D006113:United Kingdom
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate