McKnew DH, Cytryn L, Buchsbaum MS, Hamovit J, Lamour M, Rapoport JL, Gershon ES. Lithium in children of lithium-responding parents.
Psychiatry Res 1981;
4:171-80. [PMID:
6939008 DOI:
10.1016/0165-1781(81)90020-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Six offspring of manic-depressive patients, whose parents were lithium responders, were selected on the basis of their incapacitating psychopathology for treatment with lithium. The children ranged in age from 6 to 12. A double-blind, crossover design was used over 16-18 weeks. Weekly ratings were done, and average evoked potentials (EPs) were measured at each crossover. Two children diagnosed as having a bipolar affective disorder had a clear-cut response to lithium and were strong augmenters on the EP. This, taken together with the similarity of the EP changes on lithium to those occurring in adult patients treated with lithium, supports a physiological parallel between bipolar affective illness in adults and children.
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