Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme changes in mood from mania to depression. During manic episodes, energy level is significantly increased. It may be accompanied by either an elevated or irritable mood. Depressive episodes typically involve a lack of energy, accompanied by a depressed mood or loss of interest. Lithium salt is a common medication for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It works by regulating the drastic changes in mood and behavior.
Uses
Lithium salt is FDA approved to treat mania associated with bipolar disorder and to prevent its recurrence. It is not used to treat bipolar depression. Therefore, treatment for bipolar disorder often involves two or more medicines. Unfortunately, 30 percent of individuals who are prescribed lithium are unable to tolerate it, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The NAMI reports that lithium is most effective as a treatment for acute mania, when used earlier in the course of treatment and in individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder.
Side Effects
Lithium can take weeks or even months to be completely effective. Side effects include nausea, weakness and increased thirst. When these side effects occur, they tend to do so shortly after beginning treatment and eventually cease once your body gets used to the medication. Hand tremors and weight gain, on the other hand, may continue to occur during the course of your treatment. Lithium treatment should be monitored closely until a dose that is effective and tolerable is reached. Taking too much lithium can result in confusion, dizziness and even seizures. Levels of lithium can be determined through periodic blood tests.
Noncompliance
Noncompliance with medication is a major problem among individuals with bipolar disorder. According to a study published in the August 2000 issue of "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," noncompliance tends to occur during the maintenance phase of medication management and is the most common reason for recurrence. In a two-year study of 200 patients with bipolar disorder, 40 percent of them were either mildly or poorly compliant. Noncompliance was significantly greater for patients with a co-morbid personality disorder. This suggests that individual traits have a greater influence on noncompliance, as opposed to the nature of the treatment.
Suicide
Bipolar disorder is a life-long condition. There is no cure for this disorder and sufferers of this disorder are likely to be on medication for the rest of their lives. Bipolar disorder affects 3 to 5 percent of the population, has a high rate of recurrence and leads to suicide in 15 percent of cases if not treated, according to an article entitled "Bipolar Disorder: An Update," which was published in the March 2005 issue of "Neurochemistry International." This article also reports that lithium salt is effective in long-term prevention and has an anti-suicidal effect, unlike any other drug for this disorder.
References
- ABC News Health: What Are The Side Effects And Long-Term Risks Associated With Taking Lithium For Bipolar Disorder?
- Psychology Information Online: Medication for Bipolar Disorder
- PubMed.gov: Bipolar disorder: an update
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Bipolar Disorder
- PsychCentral: Medications for Mania and Bipolar Disorder
- PubMed.gov: Clinical factors associated with treatment noncompliance in euthymic bipolar patients
