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Review
. 1993 Oct:163:514-8.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.163.4.514.

Is there a lithium withdrawal syndrome? An examination of the evidence

M Schou  1
Affiliations
Review

Is there a lithium withdrawal syndrome? An examination of the evidence

M Schou. Br J Psychiatry. 1993 Oct.

Abstract

The evidence for abstinence phenomena after discontinuation of lithium is weak and ambiguous. Early manic and depressive recurrences after lithium discontinuation may suggest rebound, but studies carried out with appropriate methodology have failed to confirm its reality. Discontinuation of prophylactic lithium treatment of recurrent manic-depressive illness, whether abrupt or gradual, involves risk of relapse, but the existence of a special lithium withdrawal syndrome remains unproven.

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Comment in

  • Is there a lithium withdrawal syndrome?
    Thalayasingam S, Yates P, Markar H. Thalayasingam S, et al. Br J Psychiatry. 1994 Mar;164(3):417-8. doi: 10.1192/bjp.164.3.417a. Br J Psychiatry. 1994. PMID: 8031399 No abstract available.
  • Is there a lithium withdrawal syndrome?
    Hunt N. Hunt N. Br J Psychiatry. 1994 Mar;164(3):418-9. doi: 10.1192/bjp.164.3.418. Br J Psychiatry. 1994. PMID: 8199799 No abstract available.

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