Lithium use from 2000 to 2010 in Italy: a population-based study

Area of Science:

• Pharmacological treatments
• Bipolar disorder management
• Drug utilization studies

Background:

• Lithium is a primary, evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder.
• Understanding lithium's utilization patterns is crucial for effective mental health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and incidence of lithium use in Italy from 2000 to 2010.
• To analyze prescribing trends of other mood stabilizers among lithium users.

Main Methods:

• Utilized regional administrative dispensing data from 2000-2010.
• Defined lithium users as those with at least one annual dispensation.
• Defined lithium-treated individuals as those with over four annual dispensations.

Main Results:

• Lithium utilization rates remained stable, but prescribed amounts increased due to longer treatment durations and higher doses.
• Prevalence of lithium use varied, with an initial rise, then a decline, followed by a subsequent increase.
• The prevalence of lithium treatment significantly grew by 38% over the study period.

Conclusions:

• Observed fluctuations in lithium use correlate with changes in new prescriptions.
• Shifts in prescribing attitudes towards lithium and other mood stabilizers were temporary.
• Reconsideration of prescribing practices influenced lithium and alternative mood stabilizer utilization.