Year: 1999 Source: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, v.60, suppl.2, (1999), p.85-88 SIEC No: 20041008

The present study attempts to replicate (under less select treatment conditions) findings that suggest patients selected for & compliant with treatment at specialized lithium clinics have lower-than-expected suicide rates. In a population of 362 patients with DSM-III-R mood or schizoaffective disorders treated with lithium for a minimum of 1 year, it was found that the relative risk of suicide was 4.8 times higher during periods off lithium, & ongoing lithium treatment was associated with a 77% reduction in the risk of suicide. (25 refs)