Lithium-induced delirium with therapeutic serum lithium levels: a case report.
J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol
; 5(1): 53-5, 1992.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-1571075
Lithium-induced delirium occurring in geriatric patients with serum lithium levels that are within the "therapeutic" range (less than 1.5 mEq/L) has been described in the literature. We present a case that illustrates three major issues regarding this syndrome: (1) differentiating lithium-induced delirium from a recurrence of a chronic psychiatric disorder; (2) the use of the electroencephalogram in supporting this diagnosis; and (3) factors that may increase a patient's vulnerability to delirium while on lithium. A brief review of the most relevant literature is then presented. We conclude that lithium-induced neurotoxicity should be suspected in any patient receiving lithium who develops delirium, regardless of the serum level, and that immediate discontinuation of the medication be considered.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Psychotic Disorders
/
Lithium Carbonate
/
Delirium
Limits:
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Journal:
J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol
Journal subject:
GERIATRIA
/
NEUROLOGIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Year:
1992
Document type:
Article
Country of publication:
United States