Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effects of lithium, widely used in the treatment of bipolar affective disorders, on thyroid functions.
Materials and method: Twenty two patients with the diagnosis of bipolar affective disorders according to the criteria of DSM-IV formed the study group and 10 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. Mean lithium usage period in the study group was 3.5±2.6 years. Free T3 and T4 levels were measured with High Sensitive RIA and TSH levels were measured with IRMA-CAUNTmethod.
Findings: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of free T3 and TSH levels; whereas, free T4 levels were significantly lower in the study group.
Discussion: The effects of lithium treatment on thyroid functions have been known for a long time. A lot of studies have been designed to show its goitre inducing effects. In this situation, it is necessary to add thyroid hormones to the treatment or to choose alternative prophylactic measures during the treatment.
Key words: Lithium, thyroid function, bipolar affective disorder
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