Relapse into mania or depression following lithium discontinuation: a 7-year follow-up |
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Authors: | Cavanagh J Smyth R Goodwin G M |
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Affiliation: | University of Glasgow Department of Psychological Medicine, Academic Centre, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow, UK. jc199d@clinmed.gla.ac.uk |
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Abstract: | OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether outcome followed a worse course after acute lithium withdrawal. METHOD: Data were acquired by review of the clinical records on 14 cases and 28 controls matched for age, gender and time on lithium for about 7 years following discontinuation. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between cases and controls. Cases experienced more episodes of depression and total affective relapse. The log-rank test revealed a significantly lower survival probability in cases than controls (P < 0.0009). However, the increased risk of recurrence was largely confined to the interval immediately after lithium discontinuation. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that acute discontinuation of lithium leads to a high immediate relapse rate. Most of the excess morbidity over 7 years appears to be attributable to the first episode following discontinuation. Outcome was not worsened by discontinuation. |
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Keywords: | relapse mania depression lithium |
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