Researchers Weigh Adding Lithium in Drinking Water To Prevent Suicides

by Spence Cooper on 05/05/09 at 8:26 am

Lithium in our water?

Japanese researchers at Oita University in Japan conducted a study that concludes lithium in drinking water may help prevent suicide in the general population. The study was published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. “Our study,” the researchers said, “suggests that very low levels of lithium in drinking water can lower the risk of suicide. Very low levels may possess an anti-suicidal effect.”

Lithium is a soft silver-white univalent element of the alkali metal group, is the lightest metal known, and occurs in several minerals. But in psychiatry, high doses are used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

According to Richard Alleyne, a science correspondent with the Telegraph, the Japanese study has garnered the attention of some in the psychiatric community.

Professor Allan Young, a Vancouver-based psychiatrist, has described the study as “intriguing”.

“A logical first step,” said Young, “would be for the Medical Research Council to convene an expert working party to examine the available evidence and suggest further research.

“Large-scale trials involving the addition of lithium to drinking water supplies may then be feasible, although this would undoubtedly be subject to considerable debate. Following up on these findings will not be straightforward or inexpensive, but the eventual benefits for community mental health may be considerable.”