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LITHIUM MAINTENANCE TREATMENT OF MANIC‐MELANCHOLIC PATIENTS: ITS ROLE IN THE DAILY ROUTINE
Author(s) -
Bech P.,
Vendsborg P. B.,
Rafaelsen O. J.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
acta psychiatrica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.849
H-Index - 146
eISSN - 1600-0447
pISSN - 0001-690X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0447.1976.tb00060.x
Subject(s) - lithium (medication) , bipolar disorder , mood stabilizer , medicine , psychiatry , psychology
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the desired and undesired effects of relapse‐preventive lithium treatment given routinely to manic‐melancholic patients who had accepted the necessity of a strict tablet regime. The evaluation was based upon case record data and various rating scales, and 76 patients took part in the investigation. Our results showed that in 24 % of the patients treatment was discontinued. This was due to side effects in 16 % and to insufficient effect in 8% of the cases. The suicide risk was not eliminated, and 29 % of the patients were receiving additional antidepressive or antimanic treatment at the test day. On the other hand, 78 % of the patients rated the relapse‐preventive lithium effect as moderate to excellent. Indirect evidence was obtained in support o a stabilizing effect of lithium on the emotional control in bipolar patients. The most frquent complaints during lithium treatment were tremor and increased thirst.