During what phase is Lithium typically prescribed?

Lithium is primarily prescribed as maintenance therapy between episodes for individuals with bipolar disorder. This is critical because lithium helps stabilize mood, preventing the occurrence of mania and depression that can severely impact a person's life. The maintenance phase is essential to sustain mood stability and reduce the frequency and severity of episodes, allowing individuals to lead more balanced lives.

Using lithium during the maintenance phase minimizes the risk of future episodes, as it can take time for the medication to reach effective blood levels and for its mood-stabilizing effects to become evident. This preventive approach is different from its use exclusively during acute episodes or for other conditions such as anxiety disorders. Therefore, the emphasis on lithium maintenance aligns with best practices for managing bipolar disorder effectively and safely.