Lithium in Neuropsychiatry: The Comprehensive Guide

Lithium’s place in neuropsychiatry reaches well beyond a single diagnosis or treatment question. This edited reference brings together historical context, clinical applications, effects on the body, pharmacological mechanisms, and practical considerations, giving professional readers a broad view of how lithium has been studied and used.

Across four sections, the book moves from the history of lithium treatment to its clinical use in mood and related disorders, then to pharmacology and mechanisms, and finally to practical issues in treatment. The range makes it useful for readers seeking context alongside focused chapters on specific clinical or scientific questions.

From lithium’s history to clinical practice

The opening section traces lithium’s history and its changing place in neuropsychiatry, including perspectives on treatment and the position of lithium in clinical guidelines. The clinical section covers acute mania, maintenance treatment in bipolar disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder, rapid cycling, and other applications. Separate chapters consider treatment in children and adolescents, older adults, and women.

Consider the effects across body systems

Several chapters address lithium’s effects on the kidneys, thyroid and endocrine glands, nervous system, gastrointestinal system, metabolism, body weight, cardiovascular system, and skin. Taken together, these topics provide a wider clinical frame for understanding treatment considerations and potential adverse effects.

Explore pharmacology and mechanisms

The book then turns to lithium’s chemistry, distribution and transport in the body, pharmacokinetics, interactions with neurotransmitter systems, cellular signalling, gene expression, immune effects, and findings from brain imaging studies. It also examines genetic factors associated with treatment response and research into lithium’s potential use in neurodegenerative disorders.

Practical questions for professional readers

The closing section focuses on safe use, discontinuation and reuse, adherence to long-term treatment, intoxication, and the economics of lithium prophylaxis. These chapters complement the scientific and clinical material with issues that arise in ongoing treatment.

For clinicians, researchers, and readers working in psychiatry and psychopharmacology, this guide offers a substantial, multidisciplinary reference on lithium. Its clinical material is intended for professional use and should be considered alongside current guidelines and individual clinical judgment.