Lithium Treatment and Risk of Suicidal Behavior in Bipolar Disorder Patients

Abstract

Lithium maintenance was associated with marked reduction of life-threatening suicidal acts, the number of which sharply increased after discontinuing lithium. Suicidal behavior was strongly associated with prior suicide attempts, more time depressed, and younger age or recent onset. Greater attention to suicidal risk in patients with bipolar depression and assessment of all proposed mood-stabilizing agents for antisuicidal effects are strongly encouraged.