Abstract
This is the 6th and revised edition of Mogens Schou's highly regarded and authorative practical guide on lithium treatment. It represents a distillation of his knowledge and experience in both research and clinical lithium usage acquired over 50 years.
It has been updated to accommodate recent advances, but without compromising the sound balanced advice for patients, relatives and clinicians who seek information on lithium treatment. For Australian readers, however, the information on available lithium preparations is not up to date, nor was the list of support alliances dealing with depression and bipolar disorder. Although there is a short section on other treatments, the information is scant and includes mainly a list of new and old antidepressants and neuroleptics.
Lithium has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years concerning its effectiveness; and the availability of alternative mood stabilizers has seen a decline in its use (particularly in North America). This is contrary to all available evidence, which shows lithium to be the best established treatment for prevention of recurrences in bipolar disorder. Long-term lithium treatment is also the only treatment associated with evidence of reduced suicidal risk.
Effectiveness of lithium depends on adherence to treatment by both the patient and the clinician and this booklet provides in a clear and concise style information on benefits, risks and a guide to monitoring of lithium treatment. In the words of the author ‘The solution is not to use lithium less but to use it better’. Compared to earlier editions, the format and style is more reader-friendly and the blue cover of clouds and sky is more restful on the eye.
This slim volume will remain the most useful practical guide to lithium treatment for patients and families and those concerned for their care. Clinicians who need to manage lithium treatment would find it a useful, up-to-date source of information and there is a selected and expanded list of references for further reading.