Metabolic Balance Studies on the Effect of Lithium Salts in Manic-Depressive Psychosis

Abstract

The specific therapeutic effect of lithium salts in the treatment of the manic phases of manicdepressive psychosis was first reported by Cade (1949) and has been confirmed in a number of studies since (Schou, Juel-Nielson, Strömgren and Voldby, 1954; Maggs, 1963; Hartigan, 1963). In view of the claims made by Baastrup (1964) and more recendy by Baastrup and Schou (1967) that lithium also has a prophylactic action against both manic and depressive phases of manic-depressive psychosis it is likely that lithium salts will be used increasingly by psychiatrists.