Mood and lithium in drinking water

To assess the possible relationship of lithium in the drinking water to some aspects of mental health, drinking water samples were collected from the homes of 384 individuals in Washington County, Md, who had been randomly selected for interview in a community mental health assessment program. The water was analyzed for lithium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry without knowledge of the interview results. The questionnaire contained the Lubin depression adjective check list, Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression and functioning scales, a general happiness question (Gurin), an aggression scale, and the Cantril ladder for self-rating of present status. In an area with low-to-moderate levels of lithium in the drinking water, there was no evidence to confirm earlier suggestions that the presence of lithium might be beneficial.