Table 1 Narrative review of the literature
Author(s), year, country | Title | Journal | Main statement/main findings |
|---|---|---|---|
Malhi, 2021, US [31] | Lithium mythology | Bipolar disorder | Lithium is an old drug; it has nothing new to offer Lithium seldom works Lithium is not suitable first line Lithium is complicated to prescribe and manage Lithium is a dirty drug and difficult to tolerate Lithium destroys thyroid function Lithium ruins kidney function and eventuates in renal failure |
Zivanovic, 2017, Serbia [156] | Lithium: A classic drug-Frequently discussed, but, sadly, seldom prescribed! | Australian New Zealand Journal Psychiatry | The evidence of the effectiveness of lithium in the treatment of acute mania, acute bipolar depression and the prevention of manic and depressive episodes is compelling. Lithium is the most effective augmentation agent in treatment-resistant depression. Its anti-suicidal effects are well established. The neuroprotective effects of lithium have been demonstrated in case–control studies and in population-based research. It has been established that starting lithium early in the course of the disorder reduces the rates of treatment non-response |
Fawcett, 1994, US [32] | Some Provocative Thoughts About Continuation and Maintenance Treatment | Psychiatric Annals | Lithium is effective in treating bipolar disorder in the long-term |
Schou, 2003, US [33] | Lithium Prophylaxis: Myths and Realities | Focus | Effect in rapid cyclers Long-term effects on thyroid function Long-term effects on renal function Frequency of side effects Effect on creativity Development of intoxication with Therapeutic doses and serum levels Risk involved in combining lithium and neuroleptics Prevalence of lithium use |
Sachs et al., 1994, US [34] | Lithium monotherapy: Miracle, myth and misunderstanding | Psychiatric Annals | The early use of LI as a "miracle" drug is documented. The myth of these miracle properties is dispelled, and LI's strengths and weaknesses are realistically discussed. LI is ineffective for rapidly cycling bipolar patients, and its antidepressant effects are modest |
Schou, 1989, US [35] | Lithium prophylaxis: Myths and Realities | American Journal of Psychiatry | Effect in rapid cyclers Long-term effects on thyroid function Long-term effects on renal function Frequency of side effects Effect on creativity Development of intoxication with Therapeutic doses and serum levels Risk involved in combining lithium and Neuroleptics Prevalence of lithium use |
Shepherd, 1970, US [36] | A prophylactic myth | Int J Psychiatry | Lithium is effective in preventing relapses in patients with bipolar disorder, but has several side effects |
Blackwell & Shepherd, 1968, US [37] | Prophylactic lithium: another therapeutic myth? | Lancet | The concept of "prophylactic" lithium was first formulated from the grouping of individuals maintained on the drug for long periods. They confirmed that lithium is effective in preventing relapses |