Assessing Lithium Levels and Suicidal Behavior in Depressed Patients

Basal Plasma Lithium Levels and Suicidal Events (LIPS)

Observational University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT05409794

This study is testing whether the amount of lithium in the blood of people with major depression is linked to past suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment158 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Montpellier Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montpellier)
Trial IDNCT05409794 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the basal plasma lithium levels in patients with major depressive disorder, both unipolar and bipolar, and their association with suicidal events. It will compare lithium levels between patients who have experienced suicidal events in the past year and those who have not. Participants will undergo a clinical assessment and provide a blood sample for lithium measurement. The study seeks to understand the relationship between lithium levels and factors such as suicidal ideation, impulsiveness, and emotional lability.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and over with a current major depressive episode who have not received lithium treatment in the past year.

Not a fit: Patients with a lifetime diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the role of lithium levels in preventing suicidal behavior among patients with mood disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between lithium and suicidal behavior has been explored, this specific observational approach focusing on basal plasma levels in depressed patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years old or over
* Current major depressive episode according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria
* No lithium-based treatment over the last 12 months
* For suicide attempters/ideations only : suicidal event over the last 12 months
* For affective controls only : no suicidal event over the last 12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia or psychosis
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Deprivation of freedom (by judicial or administrative decision)
* Legal protection measure (guardianship or curators)
* Inability to understand experimental procedures
* No affiliation to the French National Social Security System
* No consent to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

Montpellier

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Major Depressive DisorderSuicidal BehaviorBipolar DisorderLithiumDepressionSuicide
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.