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OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether outcome followed a worse course after acute lithium withdrawal. METHOD: Data were acquired by review of the clinical records on 14 cases and 28 controls matched for age, gender and time on lithium for about 7 years following discontinuation. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between cases and controls. Cases experienced more episodes of depression and total affective relapse. The log-rank test revealed a significantly lower survival probability in cases than controls (P < 0.0009). However, the increased risk of recurrence was largely confined to the interval immediately after lithium discontinuation. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that acute discontinuation of lithium leads to a high immediate relapse rate. Most of the excess morbidity over 7 years appears to be attributable to the first episode following discontinuation. Outcome was not worsened by discontinuation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1046/j.1600-0447.2003.00274.x

Type

Journal article

Journal

Acta Psychiatr Scand

Publication Date

02/2004

Volume

109

Pages

91 - 95

Keywords

Adult, Aged, Antimanic Agents, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Lithium Carbonate, Male, Middle Aged, Recurrence, Substance Withdrawal Syndrome