ABSTRACT
The focus of this chapter is on long-term treatment because of its eminent importance. For the theoretical underpinnings of the recommendations summarized here, the reader is referred to the previous chapters of this book. For the most part, our recommendations are similar to those that have now become standard in Europe and North America1-3. Acute and prophylactic lithium therapy follow similar basic principles. The practical management of lithium treatment in manic patients differs in several respects, although only slightly, from the general prophylaxis guidelines.
