Is Lithium STILL Bipolar Disorder’s Wonder Drug?

Описание: Lithium was the first medication proven to effectively treat bipolar disorder and, for decades, it was considered the gold standard for managing bipolar mania. But today, only a small percentage of people with bipolar disorder in the U.S. take lithium — despite it still being one of the most effective mood stabilizers available.

So what changed? And is lithium still a “wonder drug” for bipolar disorder?

In this video, I break down how lithium works in the brain, what it helps with, and why its use has declined over the years. I also talk about lithium’s role in treating bipolar 1 and bipolar 2 disorder, its anti-manic effects, its impact on depression, and the research showing that lithium can reduce suicide risk.

I explain the history of lithium in psychiatry, why many doctors hesitate to prescribe it today, and what to realistically expect if you’re prescribed lithium — including blood level monitoring, side effects, risks, and precautions.

I also share my personal experience taking lithium, what it feels like for me, what worked, what didn’t, and why it’s been the most effective medication I’ve used for managing bipolar disorder.

If you’ve been prescribed lithium, are considering it, or are wondering why it’s recommended less often despite its effectiveness, this video will give you a clear, balanced, and experience-based perspective.

▬▬▬ Chapters ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 Intro
0:52 How Lithium Works (And What It Helps With)
4:05 Quick History of Lithium for Bipolar Disorder
5:53 Why Lithium Has Fallen Out of Favor
7:37 What to Expect if You’re Prescribed Lithium
9:02 Lithium Side Effects, Risks & Precautions
10:32 My Experience Taking Lithium
12:36 Closing Thoughts from Patty