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Withdrawal Symptoms from Lithium

Four Case Reports and a Questionnaire Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

J. R. King  and
R. P. Hullin
J. R. King
Affiliation:
Departments of Biochemistry and Psychiatry, University of Leeds, 15 Hyde Terrace, Leeds LS2 9LT
R. P. Hullin
Affiliation:
University of Leeds; Regional Metabolic Research Unit, High Royds Hospital, nr. Ilkley, West Yorkshire
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Summary

Evidence from four case reports of heightened anxiety, irritability and emotional lability following withdrawal of lithium was confirmed by a questionnaire survey of 110 defaulters from a lithium clinic: 19 per cent of respondents retrospectively reported these temporary symptoms following withdrawal. The possible mechanisms of such a withdrawal effect are discussed, and a phased withdrawal is advocated in situations where continued clinical benefit from lithium is being evaluated. The questionnaire results also confirm anecdotal evidence that lithium reduces emotional responsiveness. The significance of these findings in terms of the current models of lithium's action is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 143 , Issue 1 , July 1983 , pp. 30 - 35
Copyright
Copyright © 1983 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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