Lithium: Essentials for Mental Wellness & Neuroprotection

​This lecture will shine a vital spotlight on the utility of low-dose lithium for the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative illnesses. Led by Functional & Metabolic Psychiatry pioneer Dr. James Greenblatt, the talk will begin with an analysis of what lithium really is – element, mineral, medicine, nutrient – and its evolutionary relationship with human biology. Next, Dr. Greenblatt will guide attendees in a deep-dive into research exploring the efficacy of lithium for a range of psychiatric and neurodegenerative illnesses.

​The mechanisms through which lithium confers its robust mood stabilizing, anti-suicide, and neuroprotective effects will be detailed, along with the practical distinctions between “pharmaceutical” and “nutritional / low-dose” dose ranges. Finally, Dr. Greenblatt will provide evidence-based recommendations for lithium testing (Trace Mineral Hair Analysis) and supplementation.

​Attendees will come away with an expanded therapeutic arsenal they can utilize in practice to support patients en route to lasting mental wellness.

By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

• ​Discuss the practical and clinical distinctions between “pharmaceutical” and “nutritional / low-dose” lithium
• ​Elucidate two or more biological mechanisms through which lithium confers neuroprotection.
• ​Identify two or more clinical indicators of lithium deficiency
• ​Understand the differences between lithium carbonate and lithium orotate as well as the benefits of lithium orotate for nutritional lithium supplementation.
• ​Identify widely available laboratory tests that can accurately quantify lithium status
• ​Understand how to initiate a regimen of low-dose lithium orotate supplementation

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