Reference values of lithium in postmortem femoral blood

Patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the main recipients of lithium, display increased mortality with respect to natural causes of death [1]. In addition, studies from different countries show that these patients comprise 2.3-9.6% of all suicidal deaths [2 –5] and may have a more than 20-fold increase in suicide rate compared to the general population [6]. In cases of suicide among those suffering from bipolar disorder, 17-53% are due to fatal intoxications [7]. One study has shown an increased rate of suicidal attempts in bipolar patients receiving antidepressant treatment, alone or in combination with lithium, compared with lithium alone [8], however there is currently no consensus as to if bipolar patients prescribed antidepressants are at higher risk for suicide than those not receiving antidepressants [9].
Source: Forensic Science International - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Source Type: research