Social Work Examination Services (SWES) Human Behavior Practice Test

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Prepare for the Social Work Examination with detailed questions on human behavior. Study effectively with multiple choice questions and expert explanations. Ensure your readiness for the test!

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Which medication is best for treating a patient diagnosed with bipolar affective illness?

Antidepressants
Lithium
Antipsychotics
SSRI

The correct answer is: Lithium

Bipolar affective illness, often referred to as bipolar disorder, requires specific treatment strategies to stabilize mood and prevent both manic and depressive episodes. Lithium is considered a first-line treatment for managing this condition because it has well-established efficacy in reducing the frequency and severity of manic episodes and helps in maintaining mood stability over time. Lithium works by stabilizing neuronal activity and has a unique ability to reduce the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder, making it a critical option in therapeutic management. Additionally, lithium has mood-stabilizing properties that are particularly beneficial for the cycling moods seen in bipolar disorder, which can fluctuate between episodes of mania and depression. While antidepressants and SSRIs might be used in some cases, particularly for the depressive phases of bipolar disorder, they carry the risk of triggering manic episodes if not used in conjunction with a mood stabilizer like lithium. Antipsychotics can be beneficial for managing acute manic symptoms, but lithium directly targets the long-term management of the disorder. Therefore, lithium is recognized as the most effective and safest medication for the overall treatment of bipolar affective illness, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.