A proof-of-concept study of an accessible lithium supplement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Lithium orotate: a potential accessible supplement for people experiencing depression with mixed features.
IRAS ID
329291
Contact name
Rebecca Strawbridge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint R&D office of King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Depression with mixed features ("DMF") is where people experiencing depression also have some symptoms of mania (e.g., agitation, racing thoughts). DMF is common, occurring in up to a quarter of people with depression, and is associated with significant disability. There is not much evidence for how to treat DMF. (Full-dose) lithium is the gold standard medication for bipolar depression and mania, but requires frequent blood tests to ensure safety for patients. Our work shows benefits of much lower doses of lithium for mood symptoms and cognitive function (e.g., memory). Because DMF includes symptoms of mania and depression (plus often cognitive difficulties), lower doses of lithium could be effective. Non-medication forms of lithium are available at a low dose (20mg) over-the-counter as a ‘nutraceutical’ (“LiOr”) and could be accessible for many people to take. We previously found that low-dose lithium is safe, and that – anecdotally – people find LiOr helpful for mood, cognition and agitation. However, LiOr’s potential has not been explored in specific studies. This ‘proof of concept’ project will tell us whether LiOr could be assessed as a potential therapy. We will recruit 40 people with DMF aged 18-65 who are being treated for depression and eligible for LiOR. We will measure how much LiOr they take, the amount of lithium in their blood, any positive/negative experiences and how acceptable the study procedures are. The results will help plan a larger clinical trial, to help determine whether LiOr could be beneficial for DMF. Participants will be asked to visit our research centre within a hospital in South London 6 times over 6 months for a blood test and some questionnaires. Between visits they will be asked to take LiOr each day, for as long as they are willing. The study is funded by a charity (Psychiatry Research Trust).
REC name
London - Westminster Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0620
Date of REC Opinion
8 Oct 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion