Timing of onset of lithium relapse prevention in bipolar disorder: evidence from randomised trials

Journal article

Lithium is widely prescribed, but the timing of key effects remains uncertain. The timing of onset of its relapse prevention effects is clarified by placebo-controlled randomised trials (3 studies, n = 1120). Lithium reduced relapse into any mood episode over the first 2 weeks of treatment (hazard ratio 0.40, 95% CI 0.16–0.97). Fewer manic relapses were evident within the first 4 weeks, however, early effects on depressive relapse were not demonstrated. There is an early onset of lithium relapse prevention effects in bipolar disorder, particularly against manic relapse. Full effects against depressive relapse may develop over a longer period.

Authors: Taylor, MJ

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Journal: British Journal of Psychiatry
• Volume: 213
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 664-666
• Place of publication: England
• Publication date: 2018-09-24
• Acceptance date: 2018-08-04
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2018.177
• EISSN: 1472-1465
• ISSN: 0007-1250
• Pmid: 30246666
• Language: English
• Keywords: drug administration schedule; secondary prevention; humans; lithium; bipolar disorder; FFR; randomized controlled trials as topic