controversy of lithium
GOOD :)
Similar to all drugs, side effects do exist, however, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.
The positive aspects are that, “Lithium acts on a person's central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Doctors don't know exactly how lithium works to stabilize a person's mood, but it is thought to help strengthen nerve cell connections in brain regions that are involved in regulating mood, thinking and behavior” (NIMH, n.d).
>Has the highest success rate of reducing suicide
>Lithium does have side effects, but it can be monitored safely by doctors
Similar to all drugs, side effects do exist, however, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.
The positive aspects are that, “Lithium acts on a person's central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Doctors don't know exactly how lithium works to stabilize a person's mood, but it is thought to help strengthen nerve cell connections in brain regions that are involved in regulating mood, thinking and behavior” (NIMH, n.d).
>Has the highest success rate of reducing suicide
>Lithium does have side effects, but it can be monitored safely by doctors
"understanding of the mechanism by which lithium acts to decrease suicidal behavior could lead to a better understanding of the neurobiology of suicide and bipolar disorder"
BAD :(
Although, there currently is no drug that with as high of a success rate as lithium, many doctors believe that the health of their patient should not be compromised by the risks of lithium treatment (Rattue, 2013).
>side effects of lithium are, heart disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease or negative effects from a surgery
Although, there currently is no drug that with as high of a success rate as lithium, many doctors believe that the health of their patient should not be compromised by the risks of lithium treatment (Rattue, 2013).
>side effects of lithium are, heart disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease or negative effects from a surgery
“Clinical practice guidelines have long recommended lithium as a first‑line long‑term treatment for bipolar disorder but its use has decreased, partly because of safety concerns”