If a psychiatrist chooses to prescribe an antidepressant to a person with bipolar disorder,
A)lithium can be stopped for the time he or she is taking the antidepressant,but must be resumed as soon as the antidepressant is stopped.
B)it should only be an SSRI.
C)it is crucial that a mood stabilizing medication be prescribed as well.
D)it should only be a TCA.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prescribing an antidepressant to someone with bipolar disorder can be risky as it can trigger manic episodes. Therefore, it is crucial to also prescribe a mood stabilizing medication to prevent this from happening. Lithium should not be stopped abruptly and should be continued even after the antidepressant is stopped. SSRI and TCA can both have potential risks and benefits depending on the individual case. Therefore, the best choice is to prescribe a mood stabilizing medication along with the antidepressant.

If a Psychiatrist Chooses to Prescribe an Antidepressant to a Person