Putative Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Use of Lithium in Children and Adolescents: A Critical Review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lithium is a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder in adults, but its mechanism of action is still far from clear. Furthermore, evidences of its use in pediatric populations are sparse, not only for bipolar disorders, but also for other possible indications.

Objectives

To provide a synthesis of published data on the possible mechanisms of action of lithium, as well as on its use in pediatric samples, including pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety data.

Methods

Clinical trials in pediatric samples with at least one standardized measure of efficacy/ effectiveness were included in this review. We considered: i) randomized and open label trials, ii) combination studies iii) augmentation studies iv) case series including at least 5 patients.

Results

SUBMITTER: Pisano S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6482478 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature