Thyrotoxicosis after complete or partial lithium withdrawal in two patients with bipolar affective disorder.
Carmaciu CD, Anderson CS, Lawton CA.
Mental Health Department, Clacton and District Hospital, Clacton on Sea, Essex, UK. cdcarmaciu@aol.com
OBJECTIVES: To highlight and discuss thyrotoxicosis after lithium withdrawal as a potential complication of lithium therapy for bipolar disorder. CASE REPORTS: Both patients presented developed thyrotoxicosis, the first patient after stopping the lithium completely, and the second patient after a reduction in the lithium dose. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of thyrotoxicosis emerging when lithium is being completely or partially withdrawn. Such withdrawal could unmask a latent hyperthyroidism.
Publication Types:
PMID: 14525561 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]