Explaining lithium monitoring and suicide benefit to a patient (CASC)

Station instructions (candidate)

You have 7 minutes. Explain why lithium is being offered after a manic episode and serious suicide attempt, what blood monitoring means in plain language (levels plus kidney, thyroid and calcium), how everyday medicines like ibuprofen can raise levels, and which symptoms need urgent review. Balance organ and future-pregnancy concerns against relapse prevention and anti-suicide evidence. Do not guarantee cure. Do not dismiss fears. Do not invent exact national laboratory cut-offs as universal rules — explain principles and local protocols.^[1][2][3]