Psychopharmacol Bull
-
Psychopharmacol Bull · Jan 1995
ReviewAn update on the use of lithium carbonate in aggressive children and adolescents with conduct disorder.
Although some knowledge has been gained concerning indications, therapeutic dose range, and safety of lithium in aggressive children and adolescents with conduct disorder, only a few double-blind and placebo-controlled studies have been conducted. A survey of the literature indicates that the four major studies are in disagreement as to lithium's ability to reduce aggression. ⋯ Methodologic issues that need to be addressed in future clinical trials involving this population are commented on and include the measurement and subtyping of aggression and assessment of psychosocial factors. Such research is needed to establish not only the role and efficacy of lithium in the treatment of aggression but also the effectiveness of this psychoactive agent in clinical practice.
-
Psychopharmacol Bull · Jan 1995
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe lithium test dose prediction method in aggressive children.
Cooper and associates (1973) developed a method of ascertaining the lithium dosage required to attain a therapeutic serum level of 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. However, reports about the safety and accuracy of their method in children are limited (Geller & Fetner 1989). This study relates our experience with using this method in children. ⋯ These dosages ranged from 600 to 1,800 mg/day (mean, 1,312.5 +/- 450) and the corresponding serum lithium levels at steady-state ranged from 0.58 to 1.13 mEq/L (mean, 0.87 +/- 0.15). No severe side effects were encountered. This suggests that the method is safe and useful for predicting lithium dosages in children.