Lithium: Current Clinical Guidelines for Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is a serious neuroprogressive disorder associated with structural and functional brain changes, multiple comorbidities, and heightened risk for suicide. Lithium has been a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder for more than 50 years and recent research suggests that early identification and treatment of bipolar disorder with lithium can alter the progression of the illness. The purpose of the current article is to review evidence for lithium's neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions and clinical guidelines for safe and effective use.