Mood Stabilizers Used in Psychotherapy

Bipolar disorder is often treated with mood stabilizers.

Mood stabilizers are medications, usually prescribed in conjunction with psychotherapy, used to treat psychological disorders marked by intense, prolonged mood shifts. Mood stabilizers are intended to keep a patients' moods above depression and below mania.

Function

Mood stabilizers are often used to treat patients with psychological conditions that induce states of extreme agitation, elation, torpor and/or depression, such as borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder.

Types

According to PsychEducation.org, Lithium, Valproate, Carbamazepine, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Verapamil, Ziprasidone, Aripiprazole, Risperidone, and Oxcarbazepine are all different types of mood stabilizers.

Effects

All mood stabilizers have different effects, although all are intended to moderate the moods of patients. According to Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder, Lithium reduces anger and impulsiveness, while Valproate reduces aggression and agitation.

Benefits

Properly administered, mood stabilizers can allow patients suffering from severe psychological disorders live happier, more normal lives.

Warning

Many mood stabilizers, including Lithium are toxic. A lengthy treatment regimen can damage a patients' endocrine system. Mood stabilizers should also not be taken during pregnancy.

References

• "Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: Mentalization-based Treatment"; Anthony Bateman, Peter Fonagy; 2004
• Psych Education.com
• McMans Depression and Bipolar Web