Lithium neurotoxicity in schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. Behavioral state-related aspects of neurotoxicity.

A large variability in the rates of lithium-induced toxic-confusional states is noted in studies of lithium treatment of schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. Treatment and subject factors which might contribute to this variability are reviewed. A greater frequency of lithium-induced toxic-confusional states is found in more acutely ill schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients. The possibility that some behavioral states may increase the risk for lithium neurotoxicity is discussed.