Abstract
As outlined in this book in detail, lithium has unique properties as an effective mood stabilizer as well as demonstrating anti-suicidal and antidepressant effects. Despite the considerable success achieved by lithium, it remains a medication that is compared with most psychotropic medications partly more difficult to handle, largely due to its narrow therapeutic index. Together with concerns about its tolerability and long-term risks (Chap. 12), this is the main reason lithium is underutilized in clinical practice worldwide. There is also the perception that the frequent and reliable monitoring of lithium plasma concentrations is difficult. However, when used properly, lithium is generally well tolerated and not too complicated to administer. This chapter is dedicated to providing practical recommendations for the safe use of lithium in clinical practice.
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Bauer, M., Gitlin, M. (2016). Practical Management of Lithium. In: The Essential Guide to Lithium Treatment. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31214-9_11
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