Citation

Ng J, Sjöstrand M, Eyal N. Public Health Ethics 2019; 12(3): 274-286.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/phe/phz002

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Recent observations associate naturally occurring trace levels of Lithium in ground water with significantly lower suicide rates. It has been suggested that adding trace Lithium to drinking water could be a safe and effective way to reduce suicide. This article discusses the many ethical implications of such population-wide Lithium medication. It compares this policy to more targeted solutions that introduce trace amounts of Lithium to groups at higher risk of suicide or lower risk of adverse effects. The question of mass treatment with Lithium recalls other choices in public health between population-wide and more targeted interventions. The framework we propose could be relevant to some of these other dilemmas. © 2019 The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press. Available online at www.phe.oxfordjournals.org.

Language: en

Keywords

human; suicide; lithium; medical ethics; health care policy; population research; priority journal; drug safety; drug efficacy; Article; drinking water