Bipolar Disorder and Role of Lithium in Its Management: An Overview

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental condition that usually involves extreme mood swings in human beings from conditions of excitement and feels happy at one moment to depression the next. It is usually associated with mental mania disorder characterized by great excitement and occasional uncontrolled violent behavior. Depression is characterized by persistent and long-term sadness or despair. Generally mental illnesses are due to result of several factors working together and can be divided into biological and psychological causes in case of BD. Compared to mania phase of persons suffering from BD, the depressive phase is often very severe and development of suicidal tendencies is a major risk factor. In fact, people suffering from BD are more likely to attempt suicide than those suffering from regular depression. Lithium (Li) has been the first choice for years for the treatment of BD and effectiveness is maximized when serum concentrations are maintained at 1.0–1.2 mEq/L. Li has long been used to reduce suicide risks. Recent studies have shown Li may also be effective in treatment against AIDS and cancer. The present review deals with the pathophysiology, types of BD and role of miracle drug Li in its management.