25 Jul
Lithium is used in the treatment of both manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder, as well as in unipolar depressive disorder to prevent future depressive episodes. The clinical presentation and patient history dictate the necessity and frequency of measuring serum lithium concentrations. Elderly patients taking lithium should be more closely monitored for signs of lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity should be considered in the context of both chronic intoxication and acute ingestion.