A Survey of Patients’ Knowledge About Lithium Therapy in the Elderly

Enudi, Walter; Lawlor, Brian A.; O’Connell, Henry

doi:10.4088/pcc.13m01550

Cited by 4 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…The results of the 12 articles included in this review 15 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 24 - 31 are summarized in Tables 1 and 2 . As highlighted in Table 1 , 8 of the 12 included studies 16 , 20 , 24 - 26 , 29 - 31 examined the impact that educational strategies had on patients' lithium knowledge.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As highlighted in Table 1 , 8 of the 12 included studies 16 , 20 , 24 - 26 , 29 - 31 examined the impact that educational strategies had on patients' lithium knowledge. Table 2 summarizes the studies 15 , 19 , 27 , 28 that assessed lithium knowledge without a lithium patient education intervention. A total of 7 studies 15 , 19 , 26 , 27 , 29 - 31 reported lithium levels as toxicity outcomes.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The literature 2 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 14 , 15 recommending strategies to reduce lithium toxicity and its associated costs is extensive. Individualized prescribing, regular monitoring practices, and clinician's awareness of the associated risk factors, as well as patient education, have been recommended.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intensifying patient education, especially in older adults, seems to be an important strategy to potentially prevent lithium toxicity with chronic use. 15 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many specialized lithium outpatient clinics, inpatient psychiatric services, and reputable Web sites provide information, psychoeducation, and brochures about lithium to patients. 16 , 20 , 21 Studies 15 , 22 , 23 have not only assessed patients' lithium knowledge and attitudes, but also correlated these with adherence, mood control, and therapeutic drug levels. This article summarizes studies evaluating the relationship between patients' lithium knowledge and safer utilization patterns of lithium.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Outcomes of patient education practices to optimize the safe use of lithium: A literature review

Zolezzi

Eltorki

Almaamoon

et al. 2018

Mental Health Clinician

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Introduction:Lithium is commonly used to treat various psychiatric disorders and is particularly effective in the maintenance phase of bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, this drug has a narrow therapeutic index and, if not monitored regularly, can result in toxicity. Therefore, for lithium to be prescribed safely, clinicians must ensure that patients are well educated on lithium toxicity, its prevention, and symptom recognition. This article summarizes studies that investigated lithium education strategies to help promote the safe use of lithium.Methods:Four electronic databases were searched using key terms and subject headings. Reference lists of relevant papers were also reviewed. The search was limited to literature published in English, without year limits. Eligible studies examined lithium patient education and the impact on patients' knowledge of safe lithium use.Results:Of a total of 517 citations that were retrieved from the electronic database search, 12 were selected for inclusion in this review. Most of the studies included assessed the effect of lithium education on various aspects of patients' knowledge, including but not limited to, lithium toxicity. Of the studies assessing the correlation between lithium knowledge and lithium levels, most demonstrated a positive correlation between lithium knowledge and lithium levels that were more stable and within the higher end of the recommended therapeutic range.Conclusions:Studies evaluating lithium patient education and its effect on improving the safe use of lithium are limited. Nevertheless, this literature review highlights that lithium patient education is critical to promote its safe use.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intensifying patient education, especially in older adults, seems to be an important strategy to potentially prevent lithium toxicity with chronic use. 15 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Outcomes of patient education practices to optimize the safe use of lithium: A literature review

Zolezzi

Eltorki

Almaamoon

et al. 2018

Mental Health Clinician

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Lithium Therapy in Old Age: Recommendations from a Delphi Survey

Christl,

Müller-Oerlinghausen,

Bauer

et al. 2023

Pharmacopsychiatry

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Introduction While lithium (Li) has been well established for the treatment of bipolar disorder, geriatric patients require special attention when it comes to issues of drug safety. Declining renal function, amongst other medical conditions, and polypharmacy may pose increased risks. Only a few previous studies have addressed the management of Li in geriatric patients. Methods Twenty-four German medical experts on geriatric medicine and Li treatment participated in a Delphi survey, consisting of two rounds of questionnaires and a final formulation of treatment recommendations. Three major issues of Li therapy were outlined: initiation of treatment, monitoring of ongoing therapy, and withdrawal due to medical reasons. Final recommendations were consented to at a threshold of at least 80% expert agreement. Results Final consensus was achieved on 21 clinical recommendations. The approved recommendations covered aspects of necessary laboratory checks, concomitant medication, and target Li serum concentration in geriatric patients. Concerning the termination of Li therapy, an agreement was reached on the appropriate time span for tapering and on potential alternatives to Li. No consensus was achieved on whether concomitant dementia or frailty should be considered contraindications for Li treatment and the appropriate threshold of the estimated glomerular function rate for withdrawing Li. Conclusion According to the view of German experts, Li may be used in geriatric patients, but it should be monitored carefully. However, the lack of consent in several specific treatment situations underlines the need for research on specific issues of Li therapy.

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Assessment of lithium-related knowledge and attitudes among patients with bipolar disorder on long-term lithium maintenance treatment

Kumar

Singh

Mahal

et al. 2020

Indian J Psychiatry

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Background: Gaps in lithium-related knowledge among bipolar disorder (BD) patients on lithium prophylaxis may pose safety concerns and could adversely influence attitudes to lithium. Objective: To assess the lithium-related knowledge and attitudes among patients with BD. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study assessing euthymic, adult outpatients with BD on lithium prophylaxis (≥1 year) using a semi-structured pro forma, lithium questionnaire for knowledge, lithium attitude questionnaire (LAQ), and medication adherence rating scale (MARS). Results: Descriptive analysis revealed several deficits in knowledge, including lack of critical safety information or need for periodic blood tests. Lower knowledge group had significantly more negative attitudes. Favorable attitude toward lithium (lower LAQ score) was significantly associated with the number of psychiatric follow-ups in the last year and MARS score. Conclusion: There were critical deficits in lithium-related knowledge among the patients. Lower lithium knowledge was associated with negative lithium attitudes. Educative interventions should be delivered periodically to regular lithium users.

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A Survey of Patients’ Knowledge About Lithium Therapy in the Elderly

Abstract: The survey results highlight the need for patients to be given comprehensive information about lithium prior to commencement of treatment and a refresher educational program during lithium therapy.

Cited by 4 publications

References 9 publications

Outcomes of patient education practices to optimize the safe use of lithium: A literature review

Outcomes of patient education practices to optimize the safe use of lithium: A literature review

Lithium Therapy in Old Age: Recommendations from a Delphi Survey

Assessment of lithium-related knowledge and attitudes among patients with bipolar disorder on long-term lithium maintenance treatment

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