The lithium clinic: a new model for the delivery of psychiatric services

Abstract

Advances in the diagnosis of recurrent affective disorders and consistently high levels of lithium prophylaxis have made it possible to treat manic-depressive disorders on an outpatient basis. The author describes the experiences and organization of a lithium clinic that has operated for 15 years. Utilizing the services of trained paramedicals and a small medical staff, the clinic has efficiently served a large patient population. The author suggests that centers using this model could serve the community by increasing the availability of specialized psychiatric care.