Lithium Levels in Drinking Water and Risk of Suicide

Abstract

Introduction Although lithium is one of the oldest drugs in neuropsychopharmacology that can prevent suicide in people with mood disorders, it is uncertain whether lithium in drinking water could also help lower the risk in the general population. Aim The potential benefits of low levels of lithium in reducing the risk of suicide have not been widely investigated. The objective of this study is to review the relationship between lithium levels in tap water and suicide rates across different geographical regions. Method Was done a literature review on Medline and PubMed using the keywords: lithium, tap (drinking) water, suicide rates and suicide mortality. Results The large majority of studies show a negative association between lithium level in tap water and suicide standardised mortality ratio (SMR) averages for 2006–2013. Total diurnal intake of lithium from tap water in lower than the minimum dose used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Antisuicidal effectiveness of lithium at very low doses can imply that this efect is distinct from its mood-stabilizing or antidepressant augmenting actions. Conclusions These findings suggest that even very low levels of lithium in drinking water may play a role in reducing suicide risk within the general population. Enrichment of drinking water with lithium can provide a valuable help for primary preventionof suicide.