Suicidal Behavior and Prophylactic Lithium Treatment of Major Mood Disorders: a Review of Reviews

This paper briefly summarizes & discusses at length 2 recent reviews on prophylactic lithium treatment of major mood disorders. The limitations of the studies & the difficulty of interpreting their findings are discussed. It is concluded that prophylactic lithium treatment is indicated in patients with major mood disorders who are at high risk of committing suicide, that is, those with severe depressions or depressions with persistent suicidal thoughts or with previous suicide attempts.(12 refs)