A new meta-analysis of modern trials of lithium found no evidence that the drug prevents suicide or non-fatal suicidal behaviors. The study included 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing lithium to placebo or usual care for mood disorders encompassing 2578 participants. The researchers found that the difference between lithium and placebo for all suicide-related outcomes was not statistically significant.
The study was led by Joanna Moncrieff at University College London, who recently garnered media attention for a review that debunked the low serotonin (“chemical imbalance”) theory of depression.
Reached for comment via email, Moncrieff said:
“The idea that lithium prevents suicide has added to its mystique and helped propagate the idea that lithium is a highly specific and effective treatment. But it never made any sense. Lithium is a highly toxic, sedative substance. It dulls emotions, which might reduce suicidal thoughts, but we know that many psychiatric drugs have this emotion-dulling effect and yet do not reduce suicidal behavior.”
**A snap shot of my experience
with lithium
Allergic to metals which Lithium Carbonate is ; yet it did not preclude the Dr of Psychiatry from prescribing it. Complaints from me about the raging diarrhea, lethargic 14 hour sleeping days , or kidney test constantly ( already had some kidney issues )
My complaints had him switch me to Escalith ; a coated version of Lithium ! I was too ill , aware I’d been caught in a matrix of destruction.
It was the 1st RX I was prescribed for a misdiagnosis of Bipolar 1, which was trauma and domestic abuse .
13 years , I tapered off all medications in 2005/6.
www.madinamerica.com/2022/10/lithium-suicide-prevention-not-supported-evidence/
GreatCosmicMothersUnite 