A critical approach to prophylactic use of lithium in therapy for manic-depressive patients.

During a follow-up study of 120 cases of recurrent affective disorders treated prophylactically with lithium, the authors considered certain aspects of this treatment from a psychologic point of view. In particular, they examined the problems connected with prolonged administration of the drug, the relationship between drug therapy and psychotherapy, and the significance of pharmacologic prevention of the crisis by modifying the underlying individual, familial, and social conditions that the crisis manifests.