Lithium Counselling Made Clear! OSCE Structure, Monitoring & Toxicity Explained

<p>In this episode, we break down lithium — how it works, when it’s used, how to monitor it safely, and how to counsel a patient in an OSCE station.</p><p>Lithium is one of the most effective long-term treatments for bipolar disorder and significantly reduces suicide risk — but it requires careful monitoring and patient education.</p><p>We cover:</p><p>• Indications for lithium (bipolar disorder &amp; treatment-resistant depression)<br>• How lithium stabilises mood<br>• Therapeutic range and toxicity levels<br>• Baseline investigations (U&amp;Es, TFTs, calcium, ECG)<br>• Ongoing monitoring schedule<br>• 12-hour lithium level timing<br>• Common side effects<br>• Lithium toxicity signs and triggers<br>• Drug interactions (NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, diuretics)<br>• Pregnancy risks and counselling<br>• OSCE counselling structure</p><p>This episode is ideal for:</p><ul><li><p>Medical students</p></li><li><p>OSCE preparation</p></li><li><p>Psychiatry placements</p></li><li><p>Foundation doctors</p></li><li><p>GP rotations</p></li></ul><p>Lithium is powerful — but only safe when monitored correctly. This episode helps you understand both the science and the counselling.</p><p><br></p><p><em><strong>Disclaimer</strong></em> </p><p>OSCE Talk is an educational resource designed primarily to help healthcare students prepare for clinical examinations. Episodes on the key, exam-relevant and salient points of each topic and are not intended to provide a complete or exhaustive review of clinical management.</p><p>​</p><p>Content is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for formal teaching, clinical supervision, local policies or current national guidance. While we aim to keep our content accurate and useful, medical guidance changes over time and episodes may contain omissions or necessary simplifications.</p><p>​</p><p>Always refer to appropriate guidance when making clinical decisions or caring for patients. </p>