New theory for why lithium helps bipolar patients

Lithium capsules on the Li Symbol of the periodic table of elements. Lithium is indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder.

Source: © Angel Soler Gollonet / Shutterstock

Molecular insight could help researchers design mood stabilisers with fewer side effects

Scientists have put forward a new hypothesis for the molecular mode of action of lithium drugs in biopolar disorder: by competing with sodium for binding sites on proteins that affect various cell-signaling cascades.