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

Vice ^ | Max Daly

[BenLurkin]

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.

[_longranger81]

“To whom is Lithium usually prescribed?”

It has been used for bipolar affective disorder, and dosage is usually begun and VERY CAREFULLY ADJUSTED in an inpatient setting; it is not some magic “anti-suicide” drug, it tends to moderate the wild fluctuations of mood that come with what they used to call manic-depressive illness, back when Jesus wore short pants. Too much can easily be very toxic, and many people have a variety of adverse reactions to it, though it has made life much more liveable for many people.

[Dutch Boy]

I agree. It also should apply the the government’s pushing it too.

[warsaw44]

Thank you.