That same combination is sometimes used in unipolar depressions that do not respond to anti-depressant medications alone. As noted, Lithium's greatest value is in preventing or reducing the occurence of future episodes of bipolar disorder. The effectiveness of this treatment has been demonstarted in more than two decades of research. Several major research studies have shown that lithium can decrease the frequency and the severity of episodes in recurrent unipolar disorder. Lithium can be administered after a manic or depressive episode to prevent future attacks.
Some patients respond quickly and have no further episodes.
Others respond more slowly and continue to have moderate mood swings even months after therapy has started. With other patients, Lithium may not prevent future manic and depressive episodesbut may reduce, or lessen their severity so that individuals may continue to lead a productive life. There are patients who are not helped by Lithium at all. About one in ten patients with bipolar disorder who takes Lithium does not respond to the medication, but continues to have manic-depressive episodes at the same frequency and severity as before. Doctors cannot predict who will respond well to Lithium.