Posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2003, at 15:07:53
In reply to Do only bipolars respond to Li augmentation of AD? » Dr. Bob, posted by Jonathan on March 10, 2003, at 21:58:56
Dear Jonathan,
A short answer to a long series of questions. In general, the evidence is that whatever lithium does in augmentation of standard antidepressants, that is a different mechanism than what it does in bipolar disorder. Although there is no doubt that it can augment antidepressants in treatment of major depression, that is not generally relevant to care of bipolar disorders. I understand that there are some data indicating that lithium alone can aid depression in bipolar disorder. My view of the literature is that the benefit in studies is modest, and that it is uncommon to see depression in bipolar disorder managed well by lithium either acutely or in prevention.
Charles L. Bowden, M.D.
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:205791
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030310/msgs/208136.html