When is long-term lithium treatment indicated and how long should it be continued? Can prolonged treatment damage kidney function or impair mental faculties? Are pauses in treatment advisable? What is the optimum dosage and how often should blood level be determined? What about lithium during pregnancy? Can side effects such as hand tremor and weight gain be avoided? Is lithium addictive? These are some of the questions addressed and answered in this compact, highly readable book. Authored by a renowned expert on lithium treatment, the book serves as a complete information source for manic-depressive patients, their families, and the doctors and nurses concerned with their care.