Evaluation of lithium therapy for alcoholism.

Abstract

The efficacy of lithium therapy for alcoholism was examined in 84 alcoholic volunteers admitted for rehabilitation. Subjects were randomly assigned to a lithium or placebo treatment condition for 18 months, and were reinterviewed monthly to document their compliance, drinking status, and mood. Two separate factors contributed to abstinent outcome: therapeutic serum lithium levels (greater than or equal to 0.4 mEq/L) and medication compliance. Recommendations are proposed for studying compliance effects in future treatment studies.

• Authors: J Fawcett, D C Clark, R D Gibbons, C A Aagesen, V D Pisani, J M Tilkin, D Sellers, D Stutzman
• Journal: The Journal of clinical psychiatry (J Clin Psychiatry) Vol. 45 Issue 12 Pg. 494-9 (Dec 1984) ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6389520 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Placebos
• Lithium

Topics

• Adult
• Alcoholism (complications, drug therapy, psychology)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Depressive Disorder (complications, drug therapy, psychology)
• Female
• Humans
• Lithium (blood, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
• Patient Compliance
• Placebos
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Random Allocation
• Recurrence