$Unique_ID{BRK01206}
$Pretitle{Mental and Emotional Conditions}
$Title{Lithium Treatment for Depression in the Elderly}
$Subject{depression lithium aging grief}
$Volume{E-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Lithium Treatment for Depression in the Elderly


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QUESTION:  When my father died, my mother went all to pieces.  After 55 years
of being together we thought her depression was understandable, but now the
doctor who takes care of all the people at her home wants to put her on
lithium as a treatment for depression.  Isn't that kind of strong medicine for
a natural reaction?  With all the stories about too much medicine for older
people, we thought your advice would be most helpful.

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ANSWER:  Your obvious concern and anxiety, plus the circumstances as you
describe them, make a "second opinion" from another physician a wise and
appropriate course of action.  This very potent drug can be useful in treating
depression in the elderly, but it should be used only for psychiatric
conditions that cause depression.  You are right when you say your mother's
reaction is understandable after the loss of her husband of many years, and is
probably normal, as depression is often a big part of grieving.  The elderly
often become depressed because of loneliness, a reaction to loss, or a
negative reaction to medications.
     There are, however, other types of anti-depressants besides lithium that
can be used effectively at these times.
     If your mother is indeed found to be suffering from a manic-depressive
illness, then lithium can be helpful, as it is being used successfully in some
elderly patients.  She should get regular checkups and have follow-up lab work
done frequently for the lithium to be used safely.
     Lithium should not be given to patients with severe kidney or
cardiovascular disease, or be taken with diuretics, as the drug could become
toxic under these circumstances.  You can see that, when obtaining another
opinion, it is most important that you present all the history about your
mother, including a list of medications she may be taking presently.  And it
is most important in situations such as this, that you continue to monitor the
progress of your mother.  Your frequent visit may be more therapeutic than the
medications, and you can personally verify her mental state more accurately.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
