For many disorders, bipolar disorder included, there is not just one but many drug treatments available. But one of the most popular drugs being prescribed for the disease today is lithium.

Lithium is commonly known as the first mood stabilizer. Although it was discovered in 1817, it was not until much later in the century that it was found to have mood stabilizing properties, specifically anti-manic capabilities. By 1969 it was the preferred method of treating manic depression.

As is true with many drugs, it is not known precisely how lithium affects the brain in order to stabilize moods. However, it is theorized that those afflicted with bipolar 1 disorder have a chemical imbalance in that portion of the brain that controls emotions and that lithium helps to restore the correct balance.

Today, lithium is usually the first drug treatment attempted when treating bipolar disorder. It is especially effective if there is a family history of bipolar disorder. If a family history does not exist, Lithium tends to be less effective and other treatments may be attempted instead.

In a comparison of the most prescribed medications used to combat bipolar disease, they all seem to be pretty  much equivalent in treating bipolar mania. However, when it comes to treating bipolar depression and in reducing feelings of suicide, lithium seems to have the clear advantage.

Regrettably, a lot of of the research studies that current bipolar treatment is based on are at least fifteen years old and very much out of date.

Fortunately, the scientific community, recognizing this, is becoming more interested in studying new treatments for bipolar mania. There are many medical trials underway that will test the potential for a new class of bipolar drugs and hopefully lead to much needed help for families dealing with this emotional wrenching disease.

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