Suicides and Parasuicides in a High-Risk Patient Group on and off Lithium Long-Term Medication

68 patients with affective disorders & receiving lithium prophylaxis were followed up for 8 years on average. Outcome was analyzed in terms of suicidal & parasuicidal behaviour. One third of those patients having discontinued the medication died from suicide. Only 1 suicide occurred in patients with regular lithium intake & proven compliance. An impressive drop of parasuicides was observed in responders & non-responders. It is concluded that lithium may have specific anti-suicidal properties.