[The history of lithium]

Background Lithium is the first choice for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. How was discovered that lithium is such an effective treatment for mood episodes? Aim To gain understanding in how lithium obtained its value in the pharmacotherapeutic treatment of bipolar disorder. Method Literature research into the use of lithium in the history of psychiatry. Results In 1949 John Cade discovered the usability of lithium in the treatment of mania. Subsequently, it was discovered that lithium prevents mood episodes in bipolar disorder, can be used in the treatment of unipolar depression as an addition to an antidepressant, and lowers the risk of suicidality. Conclusion Since the nineteenth century lithium is used in psychiatry. Mid twentieth century the therapeutic value of lithium was discovered in the treatment of bipolar disorder and many international guidelines consider lithium as ‘a golden standard’. However, with the arrival of other psychopharmaca lithium is prescribed less in the last decades. It is important to teach psychiatrists and nurse specialists how to use lithium because of its important value in the treatment of bipolar disorder.