Variability of response to lithium augmentation in refractory depression

L. H. Price, D. S. Charney, G. R. Heninger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

120 Scopus citations

Abstract

Eighty-four patients with major depression refractory to a controlled antidepressant trial had lithium added to their ongoing treatment. Objective symptom ratings showed highly significant improvement in the sample as a whole. At discharge or after 24 days, 31% of the patients showed a marked response, 25% a partial response, 39% no change, and 5% an adverse response. Thus, 56% of patients had a significant positive response, while 44% were nonresponders. This study indicates that response to lithium augmentation may be quite variable and a 3-week trial is necessary to assess full benefit.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1387-1392
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry
Volume143
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1986
Externally publishedYes

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