Can Lithium Boost Your Mental Health?

Except for a relatively few ingenious individuals, most of us have long distanced ourselves from trying to figure out the Periodic Table of Elements. However, such as our bodies are comprised of many materials original to the planet, we would do well to examine how these elements impact our health. Nature appears to have given us a naturally occurring element with an important place in mental health care: Lithium.  Recent years have seen a renewed interest in both the supplement form of lithium – lithium orotate and the medication form of lithium – lithium carbonate.

Use of lithium for mental health dates back to the mid-19th century. The United States first permitted use in the 1970’s spawning both lively debate and a plethora of research. Early controlled trials examined the effectiveness of lithium in treating mania and depression. While science is still unclear on exactly how lithium works in the brain, some researchers theorize that that it acts both pre-synaptically and post-synaptically – facilitating proper neurotransmitter function.

The element takes its name from “lithos” – the Greek word for stone, and can actually be found in small amounts in just about every kind of rock.  Today, Lithium is prescribed primarily for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium is not a treatment for arthritis, diabetes or liver disease, and whenever it is used it needs careful medical monitoring.

While Lithium only appears in mere trace amounts in our groundwater, several population studies have found associations between trace amounts of lithium in drinking water and mood-related outcomes. In fact, a 1990 study in Texas found that areas with higher levels of lithium in drinking water experienced fewer incidences of homicide, suicide, and rape than areas with little or no lithium in the water. A later Japanese study reported a similar association, and other studies have looked at related outcomes, but studies like these show correlation, not cause. If you are having thoughts of suicide or are in danger, call or text 988 or call 911 now.

Lithium is also being studied in dementia. A recent Danish study uncovered that “exposure to higher long-term lithium levels in drinking water may be associated with a lower incidence of dementia.” With so many findings suggesting benefit of lithium for the brain, the question arises as to why low dose lithium is so little used in the psychiatric community. The answer may simply lie in the shroud of poor reputation and misperception. Mainstream psychiatrists may not be aware of the option to recommend low dose lithium, such as lithium orotate supplements, as they may only be familiar with the medication form of high dose lithium carbonate used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lithium orotate is seen as an alternative remedy and a naturopath is more likely to recommend it than a conventional medical doctor.

Interest in low-dose lithium is growing, but research on it for mood and for preventing neurodegenerative conditions is still early. Lithium orotate is an unregulated supplement; even low doses can interact with common drugs and affect kidney and thyroid function, so do not take it without your prescriber and lab monitoring. If you already take a lot of supplements, it is best to review your regimen with a professional and if you are mixing medications and supplements then please speak to a medical professional such as a psychiatrist or functional medicine doctor about your regimen.