Open AccessIs lithium potentially a trace element?
Author(s) -
Takeshi Terao
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
world journal of psychiatry
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2220-3206
DOI - 10.5498/wjp.v5.i1.1
Subject(s) - lithium (medication) , mania , trace element , bipolar disorder , psychosis , dementia , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , psychiatry , medicine , mental health , pharmacology , chemistry , disease , organic chemistry
Lithium, a naturally occurring element, is widely used in clinical settings for psychiatric treatment. Several studies showed that micro-dose lithium (e.g., lithium in drinking water) could have anti-aging and anti-dementia effects in addition to an anti-suicidal effect, although anti-mania and psychosis or anti-cancer effects are yet to be determined. Although these studies do not provide conclusive evidence, further studies are warranted to investigate whether lithium is trace element. If so, future studies would need to determine what levels are required to maintain mental health.