Lithium brain damage from

Originally, it was thought that, except in extreme cases, lithium-induced neurotoxicity was reversible. However, it eventually became apparent that many patients develop irreversible brain damage and dysfunction, often involving the cerebellum (Grignon et al., 1996). In the last two decades, researchers have defined a syndrome of irreversible lithium-effectuated neurotoxicity (SILENT). Adityanjee et al. (2005) reviewed the literature from 1965 to 2004 for cases of lithium neurotoxicity with the persistence of sequelae for at least 2 months after cessation of treatment. They found 90 cases of SILENT, with persistent cerebellar dysfunction as the most commonly reported persistent aftereffect. These... 

The medications known as anticonvulsants are often used as front-line treatment of the bipolar disorders. The most common of these medications include Tegretol (carbamazepine), Depakene or Depakote (valproate or valproic acid), and Klonopin (clonazepam), and they are used under the following circumstances (a) inadequate response or intolerance to antipsy-chotics or lithium (b) manic symptoms (c) rapid cycling of the condition (d) EEG abnormalities and (e) head trauma (Kaplan Sadock, 1996). In practice, these medications seem particularly effective for clients who suffer from schizoaffective disorders or agitated depression of a cyclic nature. They are considered the medication of choice if an individual has a history of brain damage or of severe or rapid mood swings (Dulcan, 1999). Furthermore, if an individual has atypical features of the mental... 

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