An Investigation into the Frequency and Clinical Symptoms of Lithium Poisoning in patients Admitted to Razi Hospital, Ahvaz in 2015 -2018

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is considered as a severe mental disease. Lithium, which is widely used to treat BD, has a limited therapeutic index, and its toxicity is common in people who use it. Lithium poisoning can occur intentionally or accidentally. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we assembled data from 21 profiles of patients with lithium poisoning that referred to Razi Hospital in Ahvaz from 2015 to 2018. After studying the records of lithium poisoning patients, the checklist was adjusted based on demographic characteristics (age, gender, and cause of poisoning) and clinical information (need for dialysis, duration of hospitalization, clinical signs, and …). The data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Results: Finding shows that among 21 subjects, 10 patients (47.6%) were men and 11 (52.4%) were women. In addition, most of the patients poisoned with lithium (47.6%) were in the age range of 20-29 years. Among all patients younger than 50 years, poisoning was caused by suicide. Also, decreased consciousness (47.6%) was the most common symptom of poisoning, and 16 patients (76.2%) were hospitalized in the ICU. 71.4% of lithium poisoning patients were associated with concomitant use of other drugs, and one person died in this study. Conclusion: Considering the use of lithium with the intention of suicide in 90.5% of cases with lithium poisoning and also the significant simultaneous use of lithium with antidepressants and hypnotic drugs, further research should be seemingly performed in the psychological and social fields for preventive measures, as well as planning to reduce committing suicide and poisoning.