Handbook Of Lithium Therapy

As a medical student in the 1930s, I remember well that a very clear line of distinction was drawn between physical illness and mental illness. Physical illness resulted from pathology which could be identified and studied in detail and the cause could often be deduced. Treatment thus was often specific and based upon a proper appreciation of underlying basic science. Mental illness, on the other hand, could not, it was believed, be based upon identifiable changes in basic science. It was literally 'all in the mind' and, occurring in the absence of causes that could be identified, analysed and remedied, had no treatment that could in any way be called specific. N ow it is all too easy, in Medicine, for a doctor to become so immersed in a specialty that he fails to notice how his colleagues in other specialties are faring and, through laziness, to miss advances even of fundamental importance in fields other than those in which he himself works. As a consultant surgeon, after W orId War II, although I realized the importance of keeping in touch with those medical specialties which appeared to have a common interface with my own surgical interests, such as general medi cine, gastro-enterology, hepatology and endocrinology, it did not occur to me that there was any pressing need to ask what was new in Psychological Medicine.

This book provides a clear and comprehensive guide to the clinical prescription of lithium that draws upon evidence-based knowledge of its mechanisms of action. The book is divided into two parts, on the science of lithium and the practice of lithium therapy. The former covers aspects such as the properties of the lithium ion, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, impact on neurotransmission, and gene expression modulation. The section on practice includes discussion of variability in response to lithium, use of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorders, its value in suicide prevention, administration during pregnancy and in the pediatric age group, and side effects. Lithium is arguably the only true mood stabilizer, and its multifaceted effects across many clinical domains have given rise to a resurgence of interest in recent years, fuelled by both researchers and clinicians. Nevertheless, its use remains constrained by exaggerated concerns about potential side-effects. In reality, lithium is a simple molecule that is relatively straightforward to administer and monitor and has potentially profound benefits at a fraction of the cost of contemporary agents. This book dispels the many myths and concerns that surround its use and will be of interest for clinicians and researchers worldwide, and those that are recipients of lithium therapy.

An essential handbook for clinicians providing practical information and guidance on the management of lithium treated patients.

This book is a practical, up-to-date guide to the correct use of lithium for the short- and long-term treatment of mood disorders. Among the subjects addressed are the pharmacology and mechanisms of action of lithium, its use for maintenance treatment, the role of lithium in the treatment of mania and depression and in suicide prevention, further clinical indications, the administration of lithium during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and adverse effects and their management. Relevant background information is provided on the diagnosis, classification, and natural course of mood disorders, and an overview of other treatments for bipolar disorder and major depression is included. Lithium is the essential medication for patients with mood disorders. The evidence of its efficacy in maintenance treatment is acknowledged in all major international treatment guidelines for bipolar disorders and, when used correctly, lithium unquestionably produces the most dramatic benefits of any medication in psychopharmacology. This essential guide is written by two international experts in the treatment of mood disorders who have more than 25 years of experience in the use of lithium and have authored numerous scientific articles on lithium.

This is a guide for patients on the use of lithium in bipolar disorder and is part of the bipolar information series giving detailed information on lithium in bipolar disorder. It contains everything you need to know about lithium and its use in bipolar disorder. Dr Nick Stafford is a consultant psychiatrist in the Midlands of the UK. He has a clinical and research interest in bipolar disorder and has established mental health services for people with mood disorders. He writes for the medical journals, the popular press and believes in making psychiatry clear and understandable to a broad audience. He advocates that quality information is the cornerstone of good recovery from mental illness. He lectures the public, psychiatrists and other medical professionals on bipolar disorder and is the Vice Chairman of Bipolar UK (formerly MDF the Bipolar Organisation) a national UK bipolar charity. Published by My Mind Books 2011

When used correctly, lithium unquestionably produces the most dramatic benefits of any medication used in psychiatry. The aim of this practical guide is to provide patients and their families with up-to-date information about the correct use of lithium -

"Developed from 3 interactive computer programs: the Lithium Library, Lithium Index, and Lithium Consultation." Intended as a text and reference to provide interested professionals and laypersons with current information about lithium and its clinical uses. Contains 101 entries, each giving introduction and references. Index.