David Cousins

David Cousins

BMedSci MBBS MRCP FRCPsych PhD 

Dr Cousins is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at the Regional Affective Disorders Service and Visiting Professor at Milan University. He is a member of the International Group for the Study of Lithium treated patients (IGSLI) and the ISBD International Lithium Task Force.  

His research program has developed a multinuclear magnetic resonance imaging technique capable of swiftly and directly determining the distribution of lithium in the brain (7Li-MRI). This novel technique was influential in gaining major EU Horizon 2020 funding as part of the R-LiNK initiative, seeking to identify biosignatures capable of predicting response to lithium. Within this consortium, he established 7Li-MRI in several centres across Europe and is coordinating network expansion globally. As Director of Newcastle Magnetic Resonance Centre, he leads a multicentre research team exploring the potential of 7Li-MRI to better inform and guide the use of lithium in practice. Recent notable advances include the ability to determine brain lithium concentrations following dietary supplementation. His research was recognised by the British Association for Psychopharmacology in 2021 with a Senior Clinical Award. 

As a member of the RCPsych Psychopharmacology Committee, he revised the BNF monograph on lithium, advised on the National Shared Care Agreement and updated the NHS patient information resource (Purple Pack). His clinical work is conducted at the inpatient unit of the Regional Affective Disorders Service at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, where his expertise is sought nationally.