Lithium in mood disorders: increasing evidence base, declining use?
Use of lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder may be declining even as knowledge of the efficacy and side-effects of lithium has increased. Recent meta-analyses confirm the benefits of maintenance lithium treatment and show that it reduces suicide and suicidality. Psychiatrists should continue to utilise this efficacious treatment for bipolar disorder.
Institute of Mental Health, University of British Columbia, University Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3. allan.young@ubc.ca
Allan H
AH
Young
Judith M
JM
Hammond
D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D016651:Lithium Carbonate