What are mood stabilizers primarily used to treat?

Mood stabilizers are primarily used to treat bipolar disorder, which is characterized by extreme mood swings that include episodes of mania and depression. These medications help to regulate these mood fluctuations, stabilizing a person's mood and reducing the frequency and severity of mood episodes. Mood stabilizers, such as lithium, valproate, and ciertos antipsychotics, play a crucial role in managing the manic phases of bipolar disorder, which can include elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsive behavior. Additionally, they also help in managing depressive episodes that occur in this disorder.

While mood stabilizers can sometimes be used as adjuncts to other treatments, their primary indication remains within the context of bipolar disorder, distinguishing them from treatments more commonly associated with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, or personality disorders, where different classes of medications are typically employed.