Psychiatry, Rewritten - The Gray Area

The Salt That Saved Lives: Rethinking Lithium


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Lithium has a reputation — and most of it’s wrong. In this episode, we unpack the truth about one of the most effective, misunderstood, and underprescribed medications in psychiatry. From its powerful anti-suicidal properties to its long-term neuroprotective benefits, lithium isn’t just “that old-school drug” — it’s a life-saving treatment that too many clinicians avoid out of habit or fear.


We’ll dive into:

• Why lithium works (and how it actually builds brain resilience)

• The stigma around side effects and lab work — and why it’s often overblown

• New research on microdosing, dementia protection, and withdrawal support

• Why comparing lithium to chemotherapy might just make sense

• Real talk: why avoiding lithium due to inconvenience could be costing lives


With myth-busting, research, and raw clinical insight, we’re giving lithium the respect it deserves — and showing why it might be the most underrated tool in your psychiatric toolbox.

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Psychiatry, Rewritten - The Gray AreaBy laine