Lithium augmentation for treatment-resistant depression in the elderly.

Lithium has been used successfully to enhance the effectiveness of tricyclic and other antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and combinations of antipsychotics and antidepressants. The safety and efficacy of adding lithium to the treatment regimen was examined in 14 elderly patients with refractory depression. Seven of the 14 had a complete recovery, and three showed a partial response. Side effects, including peripheral weakness, severe fine tremor, and neurotoxicity, necessitated the discontinuation of lithium in three patients. In two other patients with side effects, lower dosages of lithium relieved their symptoms. Lithium augmentation appears to be a promising treatment for geriatric depressed patients who are unresponsive to or cannot tolerate other standard therapies.