Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

What medication is frequently used for the treatment of bipolar disorder?

1. Sertraline

2. Lithium

3. Fluoxetine

4. Duloxetine

The correct answer is: Lithium

Lithium is widely recognized as a primary treatment for bipolar disorder because it is effective in stabilizing mood and reducing the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. It acts as a mood stabilizer and helps to mitigate the extreme highs and lows experienced by individuals with this condition. Lithium's mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to influence neurotransmitter systems and promote neuroprotective effects in the brain. It is often considered the gold standard for managing bipolar disorder, especially in cases involving manic episodes. While other medications listed, such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and duloxetine, are antidepressants used primarily for treating major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, they are not typical first-line treatments for bipolar disorder. These medications can sometimes exacerbate manic symptoms if used in someone who is not adequately stabilized on a mood stabilizer like lithium. Thus, their role in the treatment of bipolar disorder is not as predominant or established as that of lithium.