The authors measured RBC/plasma lithium ratios in 33 patients with
primary diagnoses of unipolar depression (N=20), bipolar depression (N=9),
schizo-affective psychosis (N=2), and alcoholism (N=2). Subjects rated as
having marked or moderate improvement at follow-up (average = 17.1 months)
tended to have high ratios (greater than or equal to .41), whereas all 9
patients rated as minimally improved were in the low- ratio group. Although
further research with larger samples, controls, and longer follow-up is
necessary, the results suggest a predictive value for the RBC/lithium
ratio.Abstract Teaser