Is lithium an effective treatment for bipolar disorder?

Yes: In fact, lithium is probably the best/most studied medication for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It is very effective in many but not all cases. It has been shown to be the most effective treatment for suicidality. It can be safe and effective, especially for bipolar i disorder or a manic episode.

Lithium: One of the oldest & more studied mood stabilizers. Very effective as long as dose remains therapeutic (blood levels), and routine workup & compliance are monitored.

Yes: While treatment of bipolar disorder with lithium has lessened over the past few decades, it is because newer medications with fewer side effects have become available. In many instances, these newer medicines work very well. Sometimes, lithium is still the best and most effective treatment, and should definitely be considered an excellent choice.