Lithium - an update on the mechanisms of action. Part two: neural effects and neuroanatomical substrate: review article

Abstract

Article includes commentary by Shirra L. Moch.


Lithium has been clinically utilized for about 50 years. It is only in the last several years however that there has been a rapid growth in our understanding of its biochemical effects. It is now clear that lithium has a complicated multitude of diverse effects in the human nervous system. This new data is helping us understand the neurobiology of bipolar disorder. The focus of this review will be to distil this new knowledge.This, the second of a two part review will focus principally on neural effects and neuroanatomical substrates.


SA Psychiatry Rev. Vol.7(3) 2004: 18-19, 22-24