[Eight years follow-up of lithium prophylaxis in patients of psychiatric-neurological practice (author's transl)].

Abstract

A follow-up of patients under lithium-prophylaxis in a psychiatric neurological practice over a period of eight years is presented. It allowed for the evaluation of the therapeutic results of 54 of a total of 65 patients with affective psychoses. 32 patients remained free from any further episodes of illness (average duration of treatment 3.8 years). In another 14 patients (average duration of treatment 2.9 years) further episodes occurred but with obviously milder symptomatics. 8 patients (average duration of treatment 4.5 years) had to be considered as non-responders. This result largely consists with reports by other authors. Failures were mainly due to non compliance or diagnostic errors. The small number of patients stopping the prophylaxis without approval of the therapist (5 out of 65 patients) may be attributed to a rigid preselection of patients and to the fact that the conditions for a good patient compliance are more favourable in the practice with its tight and continuous doctor - patient relationship than in a typical out-patient department. Intoxications or other lithium-induced complications did not occur. Generally side effects could be well controlled and/or were tolerated by the patients. Discontinuance of therapy due to side effects was necessary in 3 cases.