There is a risk of birth defects if lithium is administered to a pregnant woman during the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, all women must have a pregnancy test before the initiation of therapy. An electroencephalogram, spinal tap, and magnetic resonance imaging would not be required unless there were symptoms suggesting a nonpsychiatric etiology. An Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory or other psychologic testing would not be necessary prior to starting lithium.
