Low Dose Lithium Carbonate in the Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Brief Communication

Abstract

The authors report the use of low dose lithium carbonate (300 mg. to 600 mg. per day) in Vietnam war combat veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Lithium carbonate was effective in patients experiencing episodes of inappropriate anger, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia, all previously treatment resistant. Lithium carbonate also appeared to potentiate analgesic and anxiolytic agents. The clinical observation of mood swings somewhat beyond the normal range, but not warranting a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, suggests a “sub-threshold mood disorder” in these patients.