Feb 9, 2019 · Discover Lithium’s 2025 updated mechanism of action, including neurotransmitters, intracellular pathways, and neuroprotective effects.

For instance, studies of lithium-treated patients with bipolar disorder show that, among many other effects, lithium partially reverses telomere shortening in these patients and also increases …

Mar 26, 2025 · Despite lithium’s presence in modern psychiatry for three-quarters of a century, the mechanisms of its therapeutic action have not been fully elucidated. This article presents the …

Jun 3, 2025 · Lithium inhibits GSK-3, an enzyme that plays a role in cell apoptosis, circadian rhythm, and neuroplasticity. This may help stabilize mood. Lithium is believed to enhance …

Lithium's therapeutic action may be due to a number of effects, ranging from inhibition of enzymes such as glycogen synthase kinase 3, inositol phosphatases, or modulation of glutamate …

Jul 25, 2025 · Lithium’s actions within the brain are complex, influencing multiple biological pathways rather than targeting a single specific receptor. This multifaceted influence …

Nov 13, 2025 · Lithium works to reduce excessive excitatory signaling, which is thought to contribute to manic episodes and excitotoxicity. The drug achieves this by decreasing the …

Dec 23, 2025 · By this inhibitory mechanism on neuronal signaling, it is speculated that lithium may in essence “dial down” the activity of hyperactive circuits involved in producing mania …

action of lithium salts from a chemical perspective. A description on how lithium salts are used to treat mental illnesses, in particular bi olar disorder, and other disease states is provided. …

It may be that a fundamental shift in our understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar illness and the therapeutic mechanism of action of lithium is warranted.