Lithium ions against depression: Is the internal clock involved in endogenous depression? Experiments in Spitsbergen

Abstract

In 1979 an experiment was conducted in Spitsbergen, in which the effect of lithium ions on the daily clock of humans was studied. Four Norwegian participants from Trondheim and six from Tübingen were experimental subjects. Under conditions of continuous light during the arctic summer it was shown, that in four of the participants the clock was slowed by the lithium ions, which was expected from experiments on plants and animals. In two of the participynts the internal day was strongly delayed.Body temperature, arm movement ans sleep-wake-rhythm were recorded continuously with specially constructed devices. The results are dicussed in respect to endogenous depressions.