Leading psychiatrist identifies aid against rising depression

A leading psychiatrist has urged the Irish government to add lithium salts to the public water supply to aid the battle against suicide and depression.

Well known consultant psychiatrist Dr Moosajee Bhamjee made the call at a mental health forum on ‘Depression in Rural Ireland’ in the Clare town of Ennistymon.

The former politician told the meeting, “There is growing scientific evidence that adding trace amounts of the drug lithium to a water supply can lower rates of suicide and depression.

“A recent article in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that the beneficial uses of lithium when it was added to the water supply in parts of Texas.

“I believe the Government should consider a pilot project for a town in Ireland where lithium salts could be added to the water in very small doses and examine the results.

“There is already a strong precedent for governments intervening in the operation of public water supply for health benefits by adding fluoride.”

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