title: Lithium in affective disorders : a seven year observation of lithium clinic.
abstract: Out of 692 patients registered in the lithium clinic, King George's Medical College, Lucknow, 122 patients suffering from affective disorders, receiving lithium for at least 6 months continuously, having had at least 5 serum lithium estimations done and having been evaluated at least once in 6 months while on follow-up, were analysed with a view to study the relapses. About one-third patients suffered no relapse while on lithium. The study revealed that longer the duration of lithium treatment lesser were the frequency, number, intensity and duration of manic/depressive relapses. Majority of patients were maintained on the lower side (0.5-0.8 mEq/L) of the usually recommended therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) for lithium prophylaxis. Commonly observed side effects include fine tremors, muscular weakness, polyuria, polydipsia and constipation. All the side effects were easily managed and none had a fatal sides-effect. A reappraisal in the light of existing literature of lithium prophylaxis on manic depressive psychosis is done.
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical College, Lucknow.
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Sethi
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Dalal
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Trivedi