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lithium

·December 27, 2024·5 min read

Lithium Restores Brain Function and Behavior in Autism

Lithium, a drug widely used for bipolar disorder, may also treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to new research. The study found that lithium restored brain function and reduced behavioral symptoms in mice with Dyrk1a gene mutations, a known ASD risk factor.

Autism Featured Neuroscience

·April 3, 2023·4 min read

Higher Lithium Levels in Drinking Water May Raise Autism Risk

Women who drink tap water containing higher levels of lithium are at higher risk of their children being diagnosed with autism later in life. Researchers found as lithium concentrations increased in drinking water, so too did the risk of ASD diagnosis.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·October 18, 2022·4 min read

New Insights Into Lithium’s Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder

A new identifies a specific gene that regulates neural progenitor cell proliferation in response to lithium for those with bipolar depression.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 14, 2022·6 min read

Six Lithium Dose Predictors for Patients With Bipolar Disorder

Researchers have identified six predictors that may help determine the correct amount of lithium to treat a patient with bipolar disorder.

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Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·April 8, 2022·5 min read

Researchers Find First Strong Genetic Risk Factor for Bipolar Disorder

Rare variants of the AKAP11 gene raise the risk of developing bipolar disorder several-fold, making it the strongest risk factor gene for bipolar identified to date.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·May 22, 2021·5 min read

Lithium Distribution Differs in Brains of Depressed People

A new technique allowed researchers to evaluate the distribution of lithium levels in the human brain. Findings revealed those without depression had significantly more lithium in the brain's white matter than in gray matter. By contrast, those with depression or suicidal ideations had more balanced distribution of lithium in both white and gray matter.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 5, 2021·5 min read

New Clues Why Gold Standard Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Doesn’t Work for Majority of Patients

Decreased activation of the LEF1 gene is more common in bipolar patients who do not respond to lithium.

Featured Psychology

·August 2, 2020·5 min read

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder affects about 1% of the population and typically begins during adolescence. Researchers explain the biological, psychological, and behavioral implications of bipolar disorder.

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Featured Psychology

·July 27, 2020·6 min read

Lithium in Drinking Water Linked With Lower Suicide Rates

Study reports naturally occurring lithium in public drinking water may lower suicide rates. Researchers found that in geographical areas with high concentrations of lithium in drinking water, suicide rates were lower in the population.

Autism Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 27, 2020·5 min read

Lithium may treat behavior linked to autism gene

Findings support the idea that lithium, a drug more commonly associated with the treatment of bipolar disorder, may help treat those with SHANK3 related autism.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·March 31, 2020·3 min read

Amyloid formation drives brain tissue loss

Animal study reveals the formation of amyloid plaques drives brain tissue loss and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease. However, lithium, a drug commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, reduces the life-shortening effects of the loss.