Which of the following is used in the treatment of manic depression?

• A. Potassium
• B. Lithium
• C. Calcium
• D. Chloride

Answer: (B)

Manic depression is bipolar disorder, where mood swings between mania and depression and the goal is to stabilize mood and prevent recurrence. Lithium is the classic mood stabilizer with strong evidence for reducing manic symptoms and preventing relapses into mania. It modulates neuronal signaling and helps balance neurotransmitter activity, smoothing out the extreme mood shifts seen in bipolar disorder. Among the options listed, lithium is the one used for this purpose, while potassium, calcium, and chloride are electrolytes with other physiological roles and are not used as mood stabilizers. In practice, lithium requires careful monitoring because it has a narrow therapeutic range, and levels must be kept within the right window to avoid toxicity affecting the kidneys or thyroid; regular blood tests guide dosing and safety.