Current Trends in Lithium and Rubidium Therapy

Lithium research and therapy needs to be continually re-evaluated on the basis of modern methodological approaches in order to shed new light on the mechanism of action and to improve therapeutic use. This book. based on the proceedings of the "International Meeting on Lithium and Rubidium Therapy" held in Venice from September 30th to October 2nd 1983. is devoted to current trends in the pharmacology and clinical aspects of lithium and of a newly born therapeutic cation. rubidium. The first part of this volume deals with modern trends in behavioural and biochemical approaches to the mechanism of action of lithium. A larger consideration is reserved for lithium therapy from a clinical point of view and includes re-assessment of long-term treatment with regard to serum levels. biological and psychological predictors. side-effects and new therapeutic uses. A smaller section is concerned with some recent clinical studies on rubidium. This volume should be an invaluable aid to all psychiatrists and those who work in the field of research of these pharmacological active metals. G. U. Corsini List of contributors A. ALCIATI L. BELLODI Institute of Clinical Psychiatry Institute of Clinical Psychiatry University of Milan University of Milan Milan Milan Italy Italy R. H. BELMAKER A. AMDISEN Jerusalem Mental Health Center Psychopharmacology Research Unit Ezrath Nashim Aarhus University, Jerusalem Psychiatric Hospital.