The effectiveness of lithium prophylaxis in bipolar and unipolar depressions and schizo-affective disorders

The effectiveness of lithium prophylaxis in bipolar affective disorders is generally supported in the literature. The effects in this group, as well as in unipolar depressions and schizo-affective disorders were studied, using an individual retrospective control method, and the Life Table method. Lithium prophylaxis resulted in a substantial decrease in the number of episodes and hospital admissions in bipolar and schizo-affective disorders. In addition, these two groups showed frequent relapses after termination of the prophylaxis. The number of episodes preceding the prophylaxis and the absence of unipolar depression are found to be predictors of effectiveness. The consequences of patient selection and of inconclusive diagnostic criteria are pointed out.