Lithium Effect on Temperature Rhythm in Psychiatric Patients

Abstract
The diurnal rhythm of oral temperature was studied in 55 Li treated patients, 51 other psychiatric patients and 58 healthy subjects. The Li treated patients had a higher temperature than the normal controls during the 24 h period and their temperature maximum was shifted towards an earlier time. When the Li intake was postponed for 12 h, temperature temporarily decreased to control values, but returned to the higher level after the Li dose. The temperature results are discussed in relation to Li induced changes in electrolyte metabolism.