Understanding suicide: Focusing on its mechanisms through a lithium lens

摘要: Abstract Background Current intervention strategies have been slow in reducing suicide rates, particularly mood disorders. Thus, for and prevention, a new approach is necessary. Investigating the effects of medication known its anti-suicidal properties on neurobiological neurocognitive substrates suicidal thinking may provide deeper more meaningful understanding suicide. Method A literature search recognised databases was conducted to examine intersection suicide, disorders, mechanisms lithium. Results This review synthesises extant evidence putative biomarkers endophenotypes melds these with actions lithium comprehensive picture processes underlying Specifically, central importance glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) discussed detail because it modulates multiple systems that repeatedly implicated which also exerts on. Limitations Suicide occurs outside disorders but we limited our discussion focus extending existing model behaviour contextualised within Conclusions Focusing underpinning behaviours through lens identifies important targets assessment intervention. The use objective measures critical using framework integrates findings from different perspectives domains research likely yield replicable validated markers can be employed both clinically further investigation this complex phenomenon.