Lithium-induced blepharospasm in a middle-aged woman with recurrent depressive disorder: a case report

Abstract

This case describes the presence of blepharospasm as a side effect after a short period of lithium treatment in a middle-aged woman with recurrent depressive disorder. Almost immediately after cessation of lithium carbonate, side effects subsided, indicating that the medication was the culprit for her symptoms. Switch to a different psychotropic as a mood-stabilising agent commenced. Four months later, side effects experienced remained absent and mental state appears to have improved, obtaining a remission of illness. There is a limited number of case reports which have reported blepharospasm as a side effect of lithium carbonate. Lithium is used worldwide for the management of mood disorders, although its use has declined over the years in certain parts of the world. In Australia, it is still considered the most effective mood stabilising agent and is recommended by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry clinical practice guidelines for mood disorders.