Lithium carbonate in juvenile manic-depressive illness

A case of juvenile manic-depressive illness associated with mental retardation is reported having been treated successfully with lithium carbonate. During four years of maintenance treatment with daily doses of 600 mgs. to 900 mgs. per day of lithium carbonate, disruptive manic behavior has been controlled and a subjective leveling out of mood has allowed that patient to develop more fully her cognitive and psychomotor capacities. There was one exascerbation of disruptive behavior during the first year of treatment that was easily controlled with haloperidol together with continued lithium carbonate maintenance treatment. No measurable adverse developmental or thyroid effects have been noted. The Shaffer acquiescence scale of the MMPI correctly predicted that the patient would be a positive responder to lithium carbonate treatment.