Lithium treatment may promote bone health in women with bipolar disorder

Women taking lithium for bipolar disorder had greater bone mineral density on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) exams compared to women with bipolar disorder not taking the medication, according to a recent study.The finding reinforces the role of lithium as a first-line therapy, with recent research suggesting that patients with bipolar disorder are disproportionately affected by osteoporosis and have an increased risk of fracture, noted first author Lana Williams, PhD, of Deakin University in Victoria, Australia, and colleagues.“Both the condition and the medications used to treat it, for example, antipsychotics and antidepressants, have been suggested to adversely impact bone health. Preliminary evidence suggests that lithium might counterbalance some of these negative effects,” the group wrote. The study was published January 19 in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.Bipolar disorder is a chronic psychiatric disorder associated with high levels of medical burden and premature aging. Lithium is the gold standard treatment for bipolar disorder with demonstrated mood stabilizing effects, the authors wrote.The side effects of lithium, particularly those related to thyroid and kidney function, are well-documented and are the most likely reason for a drop in use of lithium treatment in recent years, the group added. However, they noted that less is known about lithium's effects on other biological systems, including its potential benefits.To that end, the group assessed bo...

Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - January 26, 2024 Category: Radiology Authors: Will Morton Tags: Subspecialties Digital X-Ray Musculoskeletal Radiology Source Type: news