The only way to know is to cross check it by pausing supplementation and testing if the effect will go on
I think if lithium helps, depends on many factors, and therefore might in some cases, while others not. If I cross-check my supplemental lithium intake (mainly from lithium containing
mineral water, some orotate), it at least didn't hinder my remissions. Not considering all other vitamins, amino and fatty acids, as well as plant-extracts.
Marked in orange are the onsets of main conditions, and in lighter yellow their remissions (first column): 1 = PAD, 2 = COPD, 3 = PEMs.
2021, not being able to sun-bath for 2 winters on an India beach, slight legs pains from 1 returned, though far from the severity as with the original walking-disability. Before remission, my walking-disabilty improved already to 2 hrs painfree walking, undone by 2 in 2012 again. 4 = for the first time rheumatoid arthritis, already ceased with upping anti-inflammatory plant extracts again.
If one checks the 10th year, 2018, one can see many minerals more clearly associated with PEMs remission, than Lithium alone.
All are the actual elemental mineral weights, except Hydrogencarbonate (including other bicarbonates). Since I don't eat processed food, Sodium includes added salt (missing some in local food on my almost yearly India vacations, and the first years). When I calculated my dietary potassium intake the first 3 years, it was at 4.1 g/d additional, Na at 1.9, Ca at 1.1, and Mg at 0.6 g/d.