[Discontinuation of chronic treatment with lithium salts]

The present research reports some results concerning the discontinuation of a long-term treatment with lithium in two groups of bipolar patients, BPI and BPII. The aim of the research is the evaluation of the causes leading to the discontinuation of the treatment and its effects. In all subjects the treatment, not combined with other medications, was effective for at least two years before discontinuation. The results show a percentage of recurrences similar to that reported by other Authors, with significant differences that point out a greater risk of recurrences after an abrupt discontinuation. The hypotheses concerning early recurrences are discussed, taking into account the different features of the recurrences in the two groups.