They are usually taken for a brief time, up to two weeks or so, with other mood-stabilizing drugs.

A common mechanism of action for three mood-stabilizing drugs.

Most often treatment employs a combination of at least one mood-stabilizing drug and psychotherapy.

First, the researchers made sure all of the patients were taking appropriate doses of mood-stabilizing drugs such as lithium.

One group received an inactive sugar pill (placebo) in addition to their mood-stabilizing drugs.

Adding antidepressants to the mood-stabilizing drugs didn't appear to affect the results.

Some patients, experts say, are helped by mood-stabilizing drugs.

Treatment requires daily doses of lithium (or other mood-stabilizing drugs).

All patients took mood-stabilizing drugs such as lithium during the study.

Treatment for bipolar disorder most often includes a combination of a mood-stabilizing drug and psychotherapy.