Original Research J Clin Psychiatry August 2026

Association of Lithium Use With Suicide and Self-Harm Among Chinese Adolescents and Adults With Bipolar Disorder: A Nationwide Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Patients with bipolar disorder face a high burden of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm, yet clinicians often have less evidence about preventing early suicidal thoughts than about preventing attempts or death. This study addresses a practical treatment question in a large Chinese cohort: whether sustained lithium use is associated with lower risk across the suicidal spectrum, especially suicidal ideation. FAQ Does lithium lower suicidal ideation in adolescents and adults with bipolar disorder? 10 questions
Key Takeaways In this 52-week, 15-center cohort, lithium exposure was sustained for a mean of 338 days (SD = 79), which strengthens the clinical relevance of the observed associations beyond brief or intermittent use. 6 takeaways Clinical Guide How should clinicians prioritize lithium when treating adolescents and adults with bipolar disorder who have elevated suicide risk? 7 steps
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