Lithium in the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Mood Disorders: a Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

The authors conducted a systematic review & meta-analysis of randomized trials to investigate the effect of lithium, compared to placebo & other active treatments, on the risk of suicide, deliberate self-harm, & all-cause mortality in patients with mood disorder. 32 randomized, controlled trials were eligible for inclusion in the review. Patients who received lithium were less likely to die by suicide. The composite measure of suicide plus deliberate self-harm was also lower in patients who received lithium. There were fewer deaths overall in patients who received lithium. (49 refs.)