Scientists Say Lithium Should Be Added to Drinking Water to Prevent Suicides

Part funded by King’s College London, the study is a meta-analysis of three decades of research in Austria, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, UK, Japan and USA.

It concludes that lithium’s “protective” abilities could be further tested by “randomised community trials of lithium supplementation of the water supply” in communities with high prevalence of mental health conditions and risk of suicide.

Deliberately lacing the water supply with a mind-altering chemical in some zones might seem like something out of a science fiction novel [duh], but the authors of the report...think it’s an idea worth experimenting.

You cannot blame scientists for thinking outside the box on suicide prevention [The hell I can'tOur mental health has been deteriorating over lockdown. Current figures show there are around 800,000 suicides a year. It is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29 year olds globally. Unfortunately, the evidence shows that the isolation and economic stress caused by COVID-19 may well exacerbate this trend and lead to rise in suicides.

“In these unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent increase in the incidence of mental health conditions, accessing ways to improve community mental health and reduce the incidence of anxiety, depression and suicide is ever more important,” said Prof Memon.

Scientists are not certain exactly how this naturally occurring silver-white, metallic element, found in soil, seawater and rocks and therefore vegetables, grains and water supplies, alters human mood....

But since it was discovered in 1949 by Australian psychiatrist John Cade to be effective in treating mania, it has become a recognised medication for the treatment and prevention of bipolar disorder, for stabilising mood and in reducing the risk of suicide in people with mood disorders. In some studies, it has been shown to help reduce aggression and the onset of dementia.

Some people drink a lot more water than other people. How you going to control dosage?

Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium levels, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy.

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, lithium may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lithium:

Less common
•Confusion, poor memory, or lack of awareness
•fainting
•fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
•frequent urination
•increased thirst
•slow heartbeat
•stiffness of the arms or legs
•troubled breathing (especially during hard work or exercise)
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•weight gain

Rare
•Blue color and pain in the fingers and toes
•coldness of the arms and legs
•dizziness
•eye pain
•headache
•noise in the ears
•vision problems

Incidence not known
•Blurred vision
•burning feeling in the chest or stomach
•chills
•cloudy urine
•cough
•decreased urination
•difficulty in speaking
•drooling
•dry mouth
•eyeballs bulge out of the eye sockets
•fever
•flushed, dry skin
•fruit-like breath odor
•general feeling of illness
•increase in heart rate
•increased hunger
•increased urination
•indigestion
•irregular heartbeat, recurrent
•large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
•lightheadedness
•loss of balance control
•loss of strength or energy
•muscle pain or weakness
•muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness
•paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes
•rapid breathing
•restlessness or agitation
•shakiness and unsteady walk
•shuffling walk
•sore throat
•stomach pain or upset
•sugar in the urine
•sunken eyes
•swelling of the ankles or wrists
•tenderness in the stomach area
•tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to the cold
•tremor
•twisting movements of the bod
•twitching
•uncontrolled jerking or twisting movements of the hands, arms, or legs
•uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
•unexplained weight loss
•unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
•unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
•unusually strong reflexes
•wrinkled skin
some people drink a lot more water than other people. How you going to control dosage?

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