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- Title
Stabilizing the stabilizer: group psychoeducation enhances the stability of serum lithium levels.
- Authors
Colom, F; Vieta, E; Sánchez‐Moreno, J; Martínez‐Arán, A; Reinares, M; Goikolea, JM; Scott, J
- Abstract
Objective: To determine the effect on the serum lithium levels of a psychoeducational program in patients with bipolar disorder. Method: This is a subanalysis of data obtained from a larger study on the efficacy of group psychoeducation in the prophylaxis of recurrences in bipolar disorders. Data on plasma lithium levels were obtained at five time points: baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Serum lithium levels of patients who had received psychoeduction (psychoeducated) (N = 49) and non-psychoeducated patients (N = 44) were compared. Results: Mean serum lithium levels were significantly higher and more stable for the psychoeducation group. Conclusions: As changes in serum lithium level may be a powerful predictor of recurrence for bipolar patients, the addition of group psychoeducation to standard pharmacological treatment may be beneficial to optimize serum lithium levels and, thereby improve outcome.
- Subjects
AFFECTIVE disorders; MENTAL health services; BIPOLAR disorder; LITHIUM; BLOOD plasma; PSYCHOTHERAPY; EDUCATION
- Publication
Bipolar Disorders, 2005, Vol 7, p32
- ISSN
1398-5647
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1399-5618.2005.00249.x