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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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Published on: January 28, 2012
Lithium in drinking water and suicide mortality.
Nestor D Kapusta1, Nilufar Mossaheb, Elmar Etzersdorfer
1Medical University of Vienna, Department for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. nestor.kapusta@meduniwien.ac.at
Summary
Higher natural lithium in drinking water is linked to lower suicide rates. This study in Austria found a significant inverse association, supporting lithium
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests natural lithium levels in drinking water may offer protection against suicide mortality.
- Understanding the geographical distribution of lithium in water and its public health impact is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between local lithium concentrations in drinking water and suicide mortality rates.
- To assess this association at the district level across Austria.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 6,460 lithium measurements across 99 Austrian districts.
- Utilized multivariate regression models, adjusting for socioeconomic factors (population density, income, religion, mental health services).
- Performed sensitivity analyses and weighted least squares regression to ensure result robustness.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse association was found between lithium levels in drinking water and both overall suicide rate (R(2) = 0.15) and suicide mortality ratio (R(2) = 0.17).
- These findings remained significant after adjusting for socioeconomic variables and conducting sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions:
- This study provides robust evidence supporting a link between higher natural lithium concentrations in drinking water and reduced suicide mortality.
- The results replicate and extend previous findings, highlighting the potential protective role of lithium in public health.
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