Stabilizing the stabilizer: group psychoeducation enhances the stability of serum lithium levels.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect on the serum lithium levels of a psychoeducational program in patients with bipolar disorder.


METHODS
This is a subanalysis of data obtained from a larger study on the efficacy of group psychoeducation in the prophylaxis of recurrences in bipolar disorders. Data on plasma lithium levels were obtained at five time points: baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Serum lithium levels of patients who had received psychoeduction (psychoeducated) (N = 49) and non-psychoeducated patients (N = 44) were compared.


RESULTS
Mean serum lithium levels were significantly higher and more stable for the psychoeducation group.


CONCLUSIONS
As changes in serum lithium level may be a powerful predictor of recurrence for bipolar patients, the addition of group psychoeducation to standard pharmacological treatment may be beneficial to optimize serum lithium levels and, thereby improve outcome.
Colom
F
F
Bipolar Disorders Program, Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques Agustí Pi Sunyer, Barcelona Stanley Foundation Center, Barcelona, Spain.
Vieta
E
E
Sánchez-Moreno
J
J
Martínez-Arán
A
A
Reinares
M
M
Goikolea
J M
JM
Scott
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016037:Single-Blind Method
D008094:Lithium