Lithium is commonly prescribed for which condition?

• A. Major Depressive Disorder
• B. Schizophrenia
• C. General Anxiety Disorder
• D. Bipolar Disorder

Answer: (D)

Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, where it helps prevent the extreme mood swings of mania and depression and can reduce suicide risk. It isn’t typically used as a primary treatment for major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, or generalized anxiety disorder, which are managed with other medication classes. Because lithium has a narrow therapeutic window, people on it require regular blood level monitoring and assessment of kidney and thyroid function, and factors like dehydration or NSAID use can raise lithium levels and increase the risk of toxicity. In practice, EMS providers should be aware that a patient on lithium may experience toxicity symptoms such as tremor, confusion, ataxia, or GI upset, especially with dehydration, and should seek medical evaluation promptly.