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Occupational Medicine 1998;48:505-509
© 1998 Society of Occupational Medicine

research-article

The social and economic effects of manic depressive illness and of its treatment in lithium clinics

A. D. Armond

Consultant Psychiatrist, 36a, Bittell Road, Barnt Green, Worcs., B45 8LY, UK

Advising about the employment of those who have had manic depressive episodes requires Occupational Health Physicians to obtain, with consent, an objective account of previous episodes and to appreciate the enormous range of manic and depressive manifestations. Familiarity is needed with the likely effects of treatment of episodes and the benefits and problems of prophylaxis—not just in general but in individual cases, for example, where driving is required. This article summarizes research into the effects of lithium preparations on the course of the illness, thyroid and renal function and the risk of suicide. The author found that changing from treatment of episodes to continuous prophylaxis benefited employment and personal relationships without causing body weight problems. Many patients do well in life if supported by an experienced professional team, with 61% requiring no further admissions once on lithium, and with an 86% reduction in admissions achieved in our local clinic.

Keywords      Economic; lithium; manic-depressive; social

Received       11 December 1997
Accepted       11 May 1998

Correspondence and reprint requests to: Dr A. D. Armond, Consultant Psychiatrist, 36a, Bittell Road, Barnt Green, Worcs., B45 8LY, UK


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