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Lithium discontinuers. II. Therapeutic outcome
1Department of Psychiatry, Lillhagen Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Discontinuing lithium treatment for major affective disorder was associated with increased autonomic disturbances and worry. Patients who stopped lithium also required higher neuroleptic doses and sought alternative therapies.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lithium is a cornerstone treatment for major affective disorder.
- Long-term effects of lithium discontinuation require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the therapeutic outcomes of patients who discontinued lithium versus those who continued lithium treatment for major affective disorder.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 64 patients with major affective disorder was studied.
- Eleven patients who discontinued lithium were compared with 20 matched patients who continued lithium.
- Psychopathology was assessed using the CPRS at a 7-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Discontinuers reported more autonomic disturbances and worry over trifles compared to continuers.
- Patients discontinuing lithium required significantly higher daily doses of neuroleptic drugs.
- 45% of discontinuers sought alternative or complementary medicine treatments.
Conclusions:
- Lithium discontinuation in major affective disorder may lead to increased psychopathology and reliance on other treatments.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term implications of lithium cessation.