British contributions to the therapeutic use of John Cade's lithium

Br J Psychiatry. 2024 Sep;225(3):353-356. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2024.155.

Abstract

Coinciding with the 75th anniversary of John Cade's seminal publication that first reported lithium's antimanic efficacy, we briefly recount the salient findings of the historic paper and draw attention to the important psychiatric research in Britain that reinforced its findings and the critical British opinions that likely impeded its clinical use.

Keywords: Mood stabliser; bipolar disorder; history; medication; treatment.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Antimanic Agents* / history
  • Antimanic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Bipolar Disorder* / drug therapy
  • Bipolar Disorder* / history
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Lithium Compounds / history
  • Lithium Compounds / therapeutic use
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Antimanic Agents
  • Lithium Compounds