Lithium Carbonate for Affective Disorders: I. Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

LITHIUM salts have been used widely since their introduction to psychiatry by Cade of Australia in 1949¹ for the treatment of manic and agitated states. Although there have been a growing number of reports of the use of lithium salts in America^2-6 since their introduction here in 1960,⁷ much more experience with lithium salts has been acquired in Europe and Australia.^8-12 This form of treatment appears to be of benefit for mania and excitement and less useful in other forms of psychosis, including schizophrenia and psychotic depression.^{5,6,10,11,13,14} There is suggestive evidence, too, that lithium salts may reduce the severity and probability of recurrence of both elations and depressions in certain patients with periodic mood disturbances.^13,15,16

The slow and limited acceptance of lithium salt therapy by American psychiatrists appears to have been influenced by several factors. These include a