Based on data collected in a study from lithium clinics in Canada, Denmark, Germany & Austria, an analysis was carried out of suicide & cardiovascular mortality in patients who received prophylactic lithium treatment. In 641 patients given lithium for 2 years or longer, both suicide & cardiovascular mortality were the same as, or only slightly higher than, in the general population. In 186 patients given lithium for 2 years or less, mortality from both causes remained high. (23 refs.)