About this Video

• Video Title: Learn how to use lithium orotate to treat anxiety, depression and bipolar
• Channel: PeterSmithUK
• Speakers: Peter Smith
• Duration: 57:33

Introduction

This video introduces a new approach to treating mental health issues, focusing on how lithium orotate affects brain structure rather than neurotransmitters. The speaker, Peter Smith, a functional medicine practitioner, shares his experience using low-dose lithium orotate and other self-help techniques to manage his bipolar disorder. He presents a new model of mental illness and offers strategies for improving brain health.

Key Takeaways

1. New Model of Mental Illness: The video challenges the traditional neurotransmitter imbalance model of mental illness, proposing that structural changes in the brain (shrinkage or hyperactivity in specific regions) are key factors. Chronic inflammation is identified as a primary driver of these structural changes.

2. Lithium Orotate's Role: Low-dose lithium orotate is presented as a way to stimulate neuroplasticity, reduce brain inflammation, and thus influence the size and shape of brain structures involved in mental illness. It's highlighted that lithium orotate alone may not be sufficient for severe conditions but is effective as part of a broader treatment plan.

3. Brain Structures & Mental Health: The video details four key brain structures (amygdala, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), parahippocampal gyrus (PHG)) and one circuit (default mode network) affected by mental health conditions. It explains how imbalances in these areas contribute to various symptoms and how lithium orotate, in combination with other interventions, can address these imbalances.

4. Self-Help Techniques: Several self-help techniques are suggested to enhance the effectiveness of lithium orotate, including specific types of mindfulness meditation, exposure therapy (including the novel "assisted exposure therapy"), supplements (zembrin, taurine, curcumin, luteolin, omega-3s), dietary changes (high polyphenols and fiber), and vagus nerve stimulation techniques.

The transcript mentions two types of mindfulness meditation:

1. Stimulating meditations: Recommended for depression due to the underactivity in the brain, these meditations aim to stimulate brain activity.

2. Calming, tranquilizing meditations: Recommended for anxiety due to the hyperactivity in certain brain regions; these meditations aim to promote relaxation and reduce overactivity. The video also notes the need for grounding techniques for schizophrenia and psychosis, avoiding meditations that induce empty mind states.

The transcript doesn't specify which brain regions are directly changed by stimulating meditations. It only states that stimulating meditations are appropriate for depression because depression involves underactivity in the brain, implying that these meditations aim to increase activity in generally underactive areas. The video does not offer specific brain regions targeted by this type of meditation.

The video describes "directed focused mindfulness" as a style of mindfulness meditation different from the classical approach. In classical mindfulness, you passively observe whatever arises in your awareness without directing your attention. In contrast, directed focused mindfulness involves actively choosing what to focus on—for example, spending a minute on sounds, then a minute on breathing, then multitasking both, and adding other elements progressively. The speaker claims that practicing this type of mindfulness for 30 minutes daily for 100 days (50 hours total) strengthens the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This is presented as a brain training exercise to improve ACC function.

According to the video, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is responsible for:

• Regulating emotions: Influencing how we process and experience emotions.
• Attention and focus: Determining what we pay attention to and focus on. In mental health conditions, this can manifest as dwelling on negative thoughts (depression) or threats (anxiety).
• Willpower: Playing a crucial role in self-control, impulse regulation, and decision-making. A weak ACC is linked to difficulties with willpower and impulse control seen in conditions like ADHD and bipolar mania.
• Stress responses: Helping to manage and regulate stress responses.
• Assessing social cues: Contributing to our understanding and interaction in social situations, impacting social anxiety.

The video emphasizes that a healthy, strong ACC is vital for overall mental well-being and contributes to a longer lifespan.