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AS33-01 - Natural Lithium in Drinking Water and Suicide Mortality

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 April 2020

N. Kapusta
Affiliation:
Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
N. Mossaheb
Affiliation:
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
E. Etzersdorfer
Affiliation:
Furtbach Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Stuttgart, Germany
K. Thau
Affiliation:
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
M. Willeit
Affiliation:
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
N. Praschak-Rieder
Affiliation:
Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
G. Sonneck
Affiliation:
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Social Psychiatry, Vienna, Austria
K. Leithner-Dziubas
Affiliation:
Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

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Background

There is evidence that natural levels of lithium in drinking water may have a protective effect on suicide mortality.

Aims

To evaluate the association between local lithium levels in drinking water and suicide mortality in Austria.

Method

A nationwide sample of lithium measurements was examined for association with suicide rates across Austrian districts. Multivariate regression models were adjusted for socioeconomic factors. Sensitivity analyses and weighted least squares regression were used to challenge the robustness of the results.

Results

The overall suicide rate as well as the suicide mortality ratio were inversely associated with lithium levels in drinking water and remained significant after sensitivity analyses and adjustment for socioeconomic factors.

Conclusions

In replicating and extending previous results, this study provides strong evidence that geographic regions with higher natural lithium concentrations in drinking water are associated with lower suicide mortality rates.

Type
Abstract
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2012
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