LITHIUM

Course overview

DESPITE THE AVAILABILITY OF NEWER MOOD STABILIZERS, LITHIUM CONTINUES TO BE A FIRST-LINE TREATMENT FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER. IT IS OFTEN UNDERUTILIZED BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR SIDE EFFECTS, AND PERHAPS BECAUSE IT IS AN OLDER DRUG. THIS ACTIVITY OUTLINES THE INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR LITHIUM USE, PROVIDES INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND MONITORING, AND REVIEWS LITHIUM TOXICITY. THIS ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE OF THE INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM IN CARING FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE UNDERGOING, OR WHO MAY UNDERGO LITHIUM THERAPY.