The authors investigated lithium prophylaxis of depression in bipolar I
(N=35), bipolar II (N=18), and unipolar I (N=28) outpatients. Depression
indices included frequency of depressive episodes, three measures of
severity, dropouts due to depression, and time in study. There were
significantly fewer episodes and dropouts due to depression in the
lithium-treated than in the placebo-treated bipolar I patients. Lithium was
superior to placebo on all indices in the bipolar II group (although the
sample size did not permit statistical analysis) and on 3 indices in the
unipolar group. The authors believe that lithium prophylaxis of depression
has been demonstrated in these three subtypes but note the need for further
research particularly in the use of tricyclic antidepressants.Abstract Teaser