Lithium Water in Gun Violence Prevention

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Violence; Homicide; Assault by Handgun Discharge; Substance Abuse Problem; Sexual Assault by Bodily Force

• Registration Number: NCT02213614
• Lead Sponsor: American Society Of Thermalism And Climatology Inc

Brief Summary

The word lithium frequently conjures images of catatonic psychiatric patients and side effects so severe that premature death is commonplace. But naturally occurring lithium is a far cry from pharmaceutical grades. Found in the soil, water and certain foods, it is an essential mineral for maintaining physical and mental health. When exposure is low, suicide rates, mental illness and violent crime increase

Detailed Description

Lithium has a long history of use in the treatment of mental disorders. However, it hasn't been until recently that scientists began exploring the psychiatric implications of naturally occurring lithium in the water supply.

As stated in the article, Foods Rich in Lithium And Lithium Supplements:

"Research suggests that locations with the highest concentration of lithium tend to have the lowest rates of depression and violent crime. These studies have been conducted across the globe in different climates with different natural habits and diets. Researchers have therefore concluded that this phenomenon is fairly universal."

A study in the United States agrees with these findings. According to Everything Addiction:

"In a 1990 study of 27 Texas counties, researchers found an "inverse association of tap water lithium content in areas of Texas with the rates of mental hospital admissions, suicides, homicides, and certain other crimes." It was also discovered that young men incarcerated for violent crimes in some parts of Texas had disproportionately low lithium levels. Schrauzer and Shrestha discovered that the negative correlation was confirmed," especially in the south-central region of the state where high suicide mortality rates correspond to low lithium concentrations."'

Another study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry had similar results. Researchers at Oita University examined the suicide rates in Japan's Oita prefecture. The team discovered that cities with higher levels of natural lithium in the public water supply had lower rates of suicide overall.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2014-08
• Study First Submitted: 2014-08-05
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-08-07
• Study First Posted: 2014-08-11
• Status Verified: 2015-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-06-22
• Last Update Posted: 2015-06-23
• Primary Completion: 2015-12
• Study Completion: 2016-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 400

Inclusion Criteria

• Men and women aged 14-60.
• Existence of alcoholism, substance abuse, violence antecedent, suicide history Answered all questions in the pre-treatment safety questionnaire. Gave their oral and written consent to participate in the trial.

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with renal failure, cardiovascular insufficiency, Addison's disease and untreated hypothyroidism.

Pregnancy. Patients who have vomiting or diarrhea or if fluid or salt (sodium) intake is increased or decreased.

Inadequate communication with examiner. Participation in another clinical study, either concurrent with this trial or in the 3 months preceding it.

Inability to sign a consent form.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change behavioral tendencies due to lithium water treatment	1 year	During the next study we will analyze the behavior of violent tendencies in three counties of New Jersey (ESSEX, Hudson and Passaic) during the years 2010-2013, different parameters were identified such as: Firearms violence Domestic violence Killings Rape Theft Suicides Alcoholism Substance abuse We will Identify 400 individuals randomly with one or more of these known behaviors, which are invited to participate in the study, we will administer them a psycho-social test, a history clinical psycho-social study, levels of lithium in blood test and associated general tests, in addition to EEG, and neuro-physiological studies.; 500 mcg will be given to one group which will indicate them a daily supplement of lithium water while the other group will only receive mineral spring water as a placebo.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gaviota Clinic; 🇺🇸 Newark, New Jersey, United States