The authors studied the families of 12 patients with bipolar manic-
depressive illness. They measured family stability using a life events
scale for a 2-year period before lithium treatment and for 2 years during
lithium treatment. The patients responded well to treatment; they were able
to resume normal roles within the family. The life events scores decreased
substantially during treatment in comparison with before treatment. The
most severe impact of the illness was found in the children: 45% (N = 10)
were moderately ill or symptomatic. The authors discuss the effect of
manic-depressive illness on the family system as a whole and emphasize the
need to combine psychosocial treatment with lithium treatment.Abstract Teaser