Conclusions Lithium continues as the st and ard and most extensively evaluated treatment for bipolar disorder , especially for long-term prophylaxis
Background Lithium has been used clinical ly for 70 years , mainly to treat bipolar disorder .
Competing treatments and exaggerated impressions about complexity and risks of lithium treatment have led to its declining use in some countries , encouraging this up date about its safe clinical use .
Effect of prophylactic treatment on suicide risk in patients with major affective disorders. Data from a randomized prospective trial.
Recent findings have indicated that lithium treatment markedly reduces  suicide risk in major affective disorders . To compare the effect of lithium with carbamazepine and amitriptyline , suicidal behavior was analyzed during the r and omized prospect i ve long-term MAP study ( N = 378 ; duration 2.5 years ) . Of the nine suicides and five attempted suicides , none took place during lithium treatment . The findings support the view that lithium has a specific antisuicidal effect over and above its prophylactic benefit
Conclusions Lithium continues as the st and ard and most extensively evaluated treatment for bipolar disorder , especially for long-term prophylaxis
Background Lithium has been used clinical ly for 70 years , mainly to treat bipolar disorder .
Competing treatments and exaggerated impressions about complexity and risks of lithium treatment have led to its declining use in some countries , encouraging this up date about its safe clinical use .