Lithium's superior efficacy in the early course of bipolar disorder

The International Society of Bipolar Disorders released guidelines suggesting that lithium use in the early stages of bipolar disorder lowers the risk of recurrence compared to other mood stabilizers. Observational studies have also shown that lithium is effective in reducing suicide attempts, improving long-term functioning, and lowering hospitalization rates for bipolar and unipolar depression. These findings challenge the perception that antipsychotics have better evidence in treating bipolar depression than lithium.