Essay on Lithium and Bipolar Disorder - 1903 Words

Lithium and Bipolar Disorder INTRODUCTION The drug lithium has been used for a variety of disorders such as gout, diabetes, and epilepsy for over 100 years. It was not until 1949 when John Cade discovered that lithium had a calming effect on guinea pigs that the possibilities of it being used for mania were explored (Paykel, 1992). Since then, lithium has been established as one of the primary treatments for manic depression disorder. In the body of this paper we will explore the chemistry of lithium, the synaptic transmitters involved, the parts of the neuron affected, the inhibitory and excitatory potential changes, the ion channels effected, the physiological changes, the primary behavior changes, the†¦show more content†¦When lithium is combined with other atoms, several useful molecules can be created. For the purposes of this paper we will consider the lithium salts, such as lithium carbonate, lithium citrate, and lithium sulfate. These molecules, among others, are used in psychiatry for the treatment of bipolar I disorder. Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) has an atomic weight of 73.89, and is the most popular of the lithium salts in use today (Johnson, 1980). It is not clear why this is, as there does not appear to be a significant difference between lithium carbonate and the other lithium salts. For a complete listing of lithium salts currently in use, see table 1. Lithium salts are preferred for medical use because they are soluble in water, whereas natural lithium is found in silicate form and is therefore not water soluble. Lithium salts have a half life of approximately 1830 hours in the body, depending on the weight of the subject (Williams, 1973). ROUTE OF ACCESS Lithium is usually taken orally in pill form, or injected directly into the bloodstream. In pill form, there are normal and time release doses available. Because the margin between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose (therapeutic index) is so small, the time release form is more popular. In this way, theShow MoreRelatedLithium And Its Effects On Bipolar Disorder1394 Words   |  6 Pages1. Provide a rationale for the use of Lithium Carbonate that Ellen is currently prescribed. Lithium Carbonate is the most commonly drug that is prescribed for treating bipolar disorder (May, Hickey, Triantis, Palazidou, Kyriacou, 2015). It works as a mood stabilizer that significantly reduces excessive behaviors and suicidal tendencies. However, the way that lithium exerts its impact on mood is still unknown. One study suggests that key of lithium therapeutic actions are the neuroprotective effectsRead MoreLithium And Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder1820 Words   |  8 PagesLithium in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that can upset a person’s entire life if they do not receive proper medical or therapeutic treatment to manage the presenting symptoms. Bipolar disorder includes an array of moods that can range from extreme highs (mania, hypomania) and extreme lows (bipolar depression) that can be treated by medication. One medication that works well in treating the highs and lows, while preventing further mood upsets is lithiumRead MoreLithium in the Treatment of Bipolar I Disorder1815 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿ Introduction Lithium is the medication most extensively used to treat the mania and depression of Bipolar I. However, due to the high incidence of inadequate preventive response, as well as a host of undesirable side effects and a narrow therapeutic index, health care providers have sought other mood stabilizing medications for either monotherapy or use with Lithium. One such medication is Carbamazepine, used either in monotherapy or in combination with other medications. While pharmacotherapyRead MoreLithium And Treatment Of Bipolar Affective Disorder1170 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Lithium is a mood-stabilizing drug that has been used effectively in the treatment of bipolar affective disorder for many years, and increasing evidence suggests its effectiveness in reducing the risk of suicide ( Sugawara, N.,Yasul-Furukori, N., Ishil, N., Iwata, N., Terao, T.2013). There are different ways lithium can be useful to everybody in a different ways. Lithium carbonate is a type of medication used to treat manic depression and bipolar. Another uses of lithium that is veryRead MoreEssay on The Efficacy of Lithium in Treating Bipolar Disorder2065 Words   |  9 PagesEfficacy of Lithium in Treating Bipolar Disorder Lithium is a psychotropic drug that became available in 1970 as a mood stabilizing medication for the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder. It has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of manic states, as well as the depression that is concomitant with bipolar disorder. Much research has been done in the short duration of lithiums employment to evaluate its efficacy and side effects. As stated above, Lithium stabilizesRead MoreLithium Carbonate And The Treatment Of Manic Episodes Associated With Bipolar Disorder1260 Words   |  6 Pages1. Lithobid also known as lithium carbonate is used for the treatment of manic episodes associated with Bipolar Disorder. Each extended release tablet contains 300mg of lithium carbonate. Due to its formulation, the lithium carbonate is slowly released into the bloodstream over a period of time with the ultimate goal of reaching serum concentrations between 1.0 and 1.5 mEq/L. It is important to understand the drug formulation because if toxicity occurs, activated charcoal will not bind to an ionicRead MoreBipolar Dissorder: A Brief Summary Essay1724 Words   |  7 PagesThe event of bipolar disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. Records have shown that this problem can appear in almost anyone. It is clear that in our social world many people live with bipolar disorder. Regardless of the number of people suffering fr om the disease, we are still waiting for an explanation regarding the causes and cure. One fact of which we are aware, is that bipolar disorder severely undermines its’ victims ability to obtain and maintain social and occupational successRead MoreBipolar Disorder : A Serious Mental Condition1174 Words   |  5 Pages Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder (BPD) is known to be a serious mental condition. Bipolar disorder is also classified as manic-depressive disorder. It is characterized as malfunction with the brain by mood changes that includes a persistent increasing activity or energy levels. This serious condition is first diagnosed in young adults or adolescence. Diagnosis Bipolar disease is first diagnosed in young adulthood or adolescence. Diagnosis is said to be obvious, when the patient is showing floridRead MoreEssay on Bipolar Disorder1556 Words   |  7 PagesBipolar Disorder The aspect of bipolar disorder has been a mystery since the 16th century. It was rumored that Vincent Van Gough suffered from bipolar disorder. There is a large group of people suffering from this disorder, however there are no causes or cures for it. Bipolar disorder impairs one’s ability to obtain and sustain social and occupational success. The journey for even a cause will continue for many years to come. Affective disorders are characterized by a depressedRead MoreBipolar Disorder Essay844 Words   |  4 PagesBipolar disorder also known as manic depression has always been a mystery since the 16th century. History has shown that it can appear in almost everyone. Bipolar disorder causes mood swings in energy, thinking, and other behavior. Having a bipolar disorder can be very disabling (Kapczinski). A study was evaluated and about 1.3% of the U.S population of people suffers from bipolar disorder. Stressors and environmental influences can trigger and cause a person to go through numerous episodes. Bipolar