Suicidal Behavior on and off Lithium Prophylaxis in a Group of Patients With Prior Suicide Attempts

100 patients who had attempted suicide before commencing lithium prophylaxis were followed up. Outcome was analyzed in terms or attempted or completed suicide after a mean of 10 years since admission to the lithium clinics. Of 10 patients who had completed suicide, 9 had discontinued adequate lithium prophylaxis for a period ranging from 2 weeks to 7 years before death. Incidence of attempting suicide was similar during periods before receiving or after discontinuing lithium treatment. (24 refs)