Mood Stabilizers Used in Psychotherapy

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.