Suicide prevention by lithium SUPLI--challenges of a multi-center prospective study

Several studies have shown that there is a significantly increased risk of suicide related mortality in patients with a positive history of suicide attempts. The SUPLI-Study is the first prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled multi-center trial focusing on the proposed suicide preventive effects of lithium in patients with suicidal behavior but not suffering from bipolar disorder or recurrent major depressive disorder. Patients with a recent history of a suicide attempt are treated with lithium versus placebo during a 12 month period. The hypothesis is that lithium treatment will lead to a 50% reduction of suicidal behavior. The protocol of the study and preliminary results are presented.