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Open Access News Mental Health News Revolutionising bipolar disorder treatment: University of Otago’s approach to lithium therapy July 16, 2024 image: ©Vladimir Vladimirov | iStock Associate Professor Ailsa McGregor from the University of Otago’s School of Pharmacy has set on a mission to enhance the efficacy and safety of lithium treatment for patients battling bipolar disorder (BD) Bipolar disorder is among the top ten most debilitating non-communicable diseases globally. Medications available for bipolar disorder Recognising lithium’s potential but also its significant drawbacks, McGregor and her team have secured $150,000 from the Health Research Council to move their creative research forward. Current medications, while helpful, often fall short of managing the extreme mood swings characteristic of BD.

Lithium stands out as a highly effective option, not only stabilising mood swings but also reducing the risk of suicide, a crucial benefit not offered by other medications. However, lithium’s effectiveness is tempered by its narrow therapeutic range, where the line between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is thin. Prolonged use can lead to adverse effects on kidney and thyroid function, necessitating frequent blood tests for monitoring, a burdensome requirement for already struggling patients.



McGregor’s research aims to mitigate these challenges by “caging” lithium, a method that could potentially reduce its toxicity while maintaining its therapeutic ben.

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