Safe and effective use of lithium

Abstract

Lithium has proven efficacy in the treatment of bipolar disorder, both for acute mania and long-term mood stabilisation and prophylaxis. It is also useful in combating treatment-resistant depression. Compared to other mood stabilisers, lithium has a favourable efficacy-tolerability balance. Lithium is underused due to active marketing of alternatives and concerns regarding adverse effects, tolerability, and the perception that regular monitoring is difficult.