Lithium treatment of impulsive behavior in children

Children who display sporadic unprovoked physical aggression and are refractory to usual treatment pose a difficult management problem. A group of 14 such children were matched with a control group; behaviors of both groups were observed and recorded for 3 months. The experimental group was then maintained on high doses of lithium carbonate for 3 months. Behavioral recordings were continued during this period and for 3 months after discontinuation of lithium. While on lithium, the children showed a substantial reduction in unprovoked aggressive outbursts. Because lithium was well tolerated and laboratory and clinical examinations did not show any adverse effects, it is suggested that lithium may be an important therapeutic agent in the treatment of aggression in children.