Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica
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Eleven patients with major affective disorder (DSM-III) were investigated after a mean of 6.7 years on lithium prophylaxis and reinvestigated 7 years later, at which time they had discontinued lithium for a mean 2.3 years. Outcome was assessed by the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale, by relapse frequencies, by need for psychotropic medication and for inpatient treatment. ⋯ Although the relapse frequencies remained largely unchanged, a significantly increased number of inpatient treatment days indicated considerably more severe episodes after the discontinuation of lithium. Long periods without lithium were associated with higher doses of neuroleptic drugs.