Bipolar Disorder

Question 1

What is used to treat bipolar disorder?

Answer 1

Lithium

Question 2

How effective is lithium as a mood regulator in bipolar affective disorder?

Answer 2

Lithium is effective in nearly 75% of patients with bipolar affective disorder

Question 3

What form is lithium commonly administered in, and what is its electrochemical property similarity?

Answer 3

Lithium is commonly administered as lithium carbonate, a monovalent cation with electrochemical properties similar to sodium and potassium.

Question 4

How does lithium control the manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder?

Answer 4

Lithium controls manic and depressive phases by:

Altering sodium transport across cell membranes

Increasing serotonergic activity

Question 5

What is the therapeutic index of lithium and what does it require for safe use?

Answer 5

Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index and requires serum monitoring and dose titration to avoid adverse effects. This process requires peripheral blood draws.

Question 6

What are some other medications used for bipolar affective disorder besides lithium?

Answer 6

Other medications include semi-sodium valproate and atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine and quetiapine.

Question 7

How does lithium enter?

Answer 7

Enters via Na+ channels at therapeutic levels