Lithium carbonate for affective disorders. I. Clinical pharmacology and toxicology.

Abstract

LITHIUM salts have been used widely since their introduction to psychiatry by Cade of Australia in 1949¹for the treatment of manic and agitated states. Although there have been a growing number of reports of the use of lithium salts in America^2-6since their introduction here in 1960,⁷much more experience with lithium salts has been acquired in Europe and Australia.^8-12This form of treatment appears to be of benefit for mania and excitement and less useful in other forms of psychosis, including schizophrenia and psychotic depression.^{5,6,10,11,13,14}There is suggestive evidence, too, that lithium salts may reduce the severity and probability of recurrence of both elations and depressions in certain patients with periodic mood disturbances.^13,15,16 The slow and limited acceptance of lithium salt therapy by American psychiatrists appears to have been influenced by several factors. These include a