Lithium

Abstract

Lithium was first used as a mood stabiliser by Australian psychiatrist Dr John Cade in 1948. Despite the introduction of many mood stabilisers since, lithium has maintained its place with many clinicians as a clinically useful drug, especially in the treatment of bipolar disorders. At the International Congress on Depressive Disorders [ Melbourne, Australia; July 1999 ], psychiatrist Professor Graham Burrows from the University of Melbourne, Australia, discussed the way in which he uses lithium, and the importance of monitoring lithium blood concentrations.