Which of the following is a mood stabilizer?

Which of the following is a mood stabilizer?

• A. Lithium (Lithobid)
• B. Amoxicillin
• C. Diazepam (Valium)
• D. Atenolol

Answer: (A)

Mood stabilizers are medications that help prevent dramatic mood swings in bipolar disorder, promoting a more stable mood over time. Lithium is the classic example used for long-term management of bipolar disorder because it helps reduce both manic and depressive episodes and can lower suicide risk when monitored properly. It requires regular blood tests to keep levels within a safe range and to monitor kidney and thyroid function, since long-term use can affect those organs. The other options don’t serve this stabilizing role: amoxicillin is an antibiotic, diazepam is a short-acting sedative/anti-anxiety medication, and atenolol is a beta-blocker for heart-related conditions.

Mood stabilizers are medications that help prevent dramatic mood swings in bipolar disorder, promoting a more stable mood over time. Lithium is the classic example used for long-term management of bipolar disorder because it helps reduce both manic and depressive episodes and can lower suicide risk when monitored properly. It requires regular blood tests to keep levels within a safe range and to monitor kidney and thyroid function, since long-term use can affect those organs. The other options don’t serve this stabilizing role: amoxicillin is an antibiotic, diazepam is a short-acting sedative/anti-anxiety medication, and atenolol is a beta-blocker for heart-related conditions.