Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

 MOOD STABILIZERS 
 Mood stabilizers  are used to treat mood disorders. For example, the drug lithium, a 
form of mineral salts, has been used very successfully in patients with bipolar dis-
orders. Although no one knows defi nitely why, lithium and other mood stabilizers 
such as divalproex sodium ( Depakote ) and carbamazepine ( Tegretol ) effectively reduce 
manic episodes. However, they do not effectively treat depressive phases of bipolar 
disorder, so antidepressants are usually prescribed during those phases (Abraham & 
Calabrese, 2007; L. Smith et al., 2007; Salvi et al., 2008). 
Lithium and similar drugs have a quality that sets them apart from other drug 
treatments: They can be a preventive treatment that blocks future episodes of manic 
depression. Often, people who have had episodes of bipolar disorder can take a daily 
mood stabilizers
Drugs used to treat 
mood disorders that prevent manic 
episodes of bipolar disorder.
FIGURE 2
In (a), selective serotonin 
reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) reduce 
depression by permitting the neuro-
transmitter serotonin to remain in the 
synapse. In (b), a newer antidepressant, 
Nefazodone (Serzone), operates more 
selectively to block serotonin at some 
sites but not others, which helps to 
reduce the side eff ects of the drug. 
(Source: Based on Mischoulon, 2000.)
Reuptake
blocked
Serotonin
Synapse
Synapse
Nefazodone
SSRI
Neuron
Receptor neuron
Neuron
Receptor neuron
(a)
(b)
Prozac is a widely prescribed—but still 
controversial—antidepressant.
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