How long should prophylactics be continued in affective disorders?

The article traces the historical development of the prophylactic drug treatment of affective disorders. Prior to the introduction of lithium, standard anti-depressant drugs were used for maintenance treatment. Historically, lithium did not introduce prophylactic treatment. It did, however, dramatically advance the concept and administration of the prophylactic treatment of affective disorders. Specific criteria must now be developed to determine the duration of prophylactic treatment in terms of individual illness profiles. Therapeutic goals and clinical problems in the administration of treatment represent a main part of the paper.