Adding lithium to tap water ‘could cut depression rates’
Former Clare TD, Dr Moosajee Bhamjee, cited British Journal of Psychiatry research from Austria which found that “geographic regions with higher natural lithium concentrations in drinking water are associated with lower suicide mortality rates”.
In the 10 most lithium-depleted regions in Austria, the suicide rate was 16 suicides per 100,000 people, but in the 10 most lithium-rich regions, the suicide rate was just 11 per 100,000, the study found.
Lithium is used in tablet form to treat depression and bi-polar disorder.
Dr Bhamjee said: “I made my comments at the local mental health forum as the minister was there and it was something for the minister to think about. We are not talking about doing this in very high levels, but in low doses, nothing like the levels that would be used by somebody who was severely depressed.
“Remember lithium is a naturally occurring salt in the environment and if added to tap water would improve the mood of the community.”
However, director of the Cluain Mhuire service in south Co Dublin, Dr Siobhán Barry, described adding lithium to tap water as a “rather blunderbuss approach” and that “more reasonable approaches” could be taken.
“Ending below-cost selling of alcohol, reducing the number of outlets that can sell alcohol and increasing excise duty would have a notable impact on depression levels and would benefit the community as a whole.”
Also speaking at the North Clare Mental Health Forum, president of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Dan Neville, said mental health practitioners are failing to listen to the families of patients.
“Too often I have met families who are confused and concerned because they aren’t fully informed about the treatment plan for their relative. Patient confidentiality is quoted as the reason. But family members are key to identifying someone in danger of losing their life. Too often, I receive complaints professionals do not listen to the family, sometimes with dire consequences.”
