Lithium use in bipolar disorder: Summary of evidence for acute mania, acute depression, and maintenance treatment

Lithium has been used for more than 50 years for the treatment of bipolar disorder. There is a substantial body of literature about use of lithium in this condition, much of it with conflicting results. Many guidelines and algorithms support the use of lithium for treatment of episodes of acute mania and depression. However, additional research exploring prevention of depressive and manic relapse, treatment of acute depression, and use of combination treatments are needed.