The anti-manic properties of lithium were first discovered by Australian psychiatrist John Cade in 1949.1 It is a mood stabiliser and has numerous effects on biological systems. It can substitute for sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium in biological systems and enters the cells and interferes with transmitter release and second messenger systems. Hence, it can block release of certain transmitters and hormones.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/mental-health/lithium