WHY LITHIUM?

Lithium salts are used as a medication in the treatment of major mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and recurrent depression. They can be particularly effective in preventing relapses of illness.

Lithium is a naturally occurring element that is most commonly found in the form of a salt.

However, not everyone responds well to lithium and it must be carefully monitored when prescribed. By developing new methods to detect the levels in the brain, we are trying to identify the people most suitable to take lithium in the longer term.

Our advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (7Li-MRI) techniques can directly and safely measure the distribution of lithium in the brain. We are exploring whether brain lithium distribution patterns can predict response to treatment.

Lithium is not evenly distributed in the brain and we are trying find out why.

OUR RESEARCH THEMES

Enhanced prescribing

Predicting response

Low dose lithium

To help our research make a difference, we work closely with people who have lived experience of lithium. We are delighted that this initiative has resulted in thoughtful interviews, helping frame a deeper understanding of lithium and bipolar disorder. If you would like join our discussions and help set our research direction, please feel free to reach out.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS

info@teamlithium.co.uk

TEAM LITHIUM NEWS

Our research was awarded prizes for the best posters at the BAP Summer meeting: Neave Woollam as undergraduate and Victoria Wing for Clinical Poster

Team lithium have been helping to raise the profile of lithium in the treatment of mood disorders, supporting informed articles in the popular science press

CONTACT US

TEAM LITHIUM

Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre

Campus for Ageing and Vitality

Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne

NE4 5PL

info@teamlithium.co.uk