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Use of lithium in the medically ill
1Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Psychiatric Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Lithium salts, historically used for gout, are now primarily psychiatric medications. While effective, they can cause non-psychiatric side effects, requiring broad medical attention and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lithium salts were historically used for 'uric acid diathesis' (gouty diseases) from approximately 1845-1950.
- Modern use focuses on lithium's prophylactic role in bipolar and unipolar manic-depressive illness.
- Psychiatric use of lithium can lead to non-psychiatric complications like poisoning and renal issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the non-psychiatric implications of lithium treatment.
- To highlight the role of lithium in indicating renal tubular function.
- To discuss the potential medical exploitation of lithium's side effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical and current uses of lithium.
- Analysis of non-psychiatric side effects and their management.
- Exploration of lithium's utility as a biomarker for renal function.
Main Results:
- Lithium treatment can cause significant non-psychiatric problems, including lithium poisoning, renal diabetes insipidus, and weight gain.
- Side effects like thyroid depression and leukocytosis may have therapeutic applications.
- Lithium clearance is proposed as an indicator of proximal renal tubular function.
Conclusions:
- Lithium's psychiatric applications necessitate awareness of its potential non-psychiatric complications.
- The general practitioner and various specialists manage most lithium-related medical complaints.
- Lithium's role extends beyond psychiatry, serving as a potential indicator of renal function.