JOURNAL ARTICLE

Characteristics of deaths related to lithium toxicity in Australia, 2000–2024.

  • Published In: Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2025, v. 59, n. 7. P. 622 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Darke, Shane; Duflou, Johan; Peacock, Amy; Lim, Jessy; Havard, Alys; Farrell, Michael; Lappin, Julia 3 of 3

Abstract

This article examines deaths related to lithium toxicity in Australia from 2000 to 2024, analyzing characteristics, toxicology, and autopsy findings from 93 coronial cases involving individuals aged 15 and older. The majority of cases involved polypharmacy, with antipsychotics and antidepressants commonly present alongside lithium, and 23% of deaths were intentional. Median blood lithium concentrations were higher in intentional overdoses and cases where lithium was the sole drug detected. Autopsies frequently revealed pre-existing conditions such as cardiomegaly and nephro/arteriosclerosis, highlighting the importance of monitoring patients with cardiovascular or renal disease. Despite the risks, lithium toxicity deaths remain rare relative to its widespread prescription for mood disorders in Australia.

Additional Information

  • Source:Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2025/07, Vol. 59, Issue 7, p622
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0004-8674
  • DOI:10.1177/00048674251336037
  • Accession Number:186080852
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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