Our hectic and stressful times today, together with the highly polluted environment, form the perfect breeding ground for mental destabilization. In fact, especially in industrialized nations, the number of mental illnesses such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder, ADHD, addiction, anxiety disorders, aggressiveness or depression is steadily increasing. In medicine, high doses of lithium are often used in the treatment of these illnesses, because the mineral causes patients to become more balanced and better able to cope with their illnesses. The problem with high doses, however, is the highly toxic side effects combined with relatively low efficacy. Severe damage and even kidney failure can be the result. Treatment with low-dose lithium is much more effective and less harmful to health. James Greenblatt explains here.