Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

The Tail Suspension Test
Published on: January 28, 2012
Lithium long-term treatment in mood disorders: clinical and genetic predictors
1Department of Psychiatry, Istituto Scientifico H San Raffaele, Vita-Salute University, San Raffaele Institute, via Stamira D'Ancona 20, 20127 Milan, Italy. serretti.alessandro@hsr.it
Abstract:
Lithium is the most widely used long-term treatment for recurrent mood disorders. Despite its proven efficacy, patients show a variable response, ranging from complete efficacy to no influence at all. This paper reviews possible predictors of response focusing on molecular genetic studies. The functional polymorphism in the upstream regulatory region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) has been associated with lithium long-term efficacy in two independent studies, marginal associations have been reported for tryptophan hydroxylase and inositol polyphosphate 1-phosphatase (INPP1). A number of other candidate genes and anonymous markers did not yield positive associations. Therefore, even though some positive results have been reported, no unequivocal susceptibility gene for lithium efficacy has been identified.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Depression
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Bipolar Disorder

