Mood stabilizers are substances used to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disease, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder. Common mood stabilizers include anticonvulsants, lithium and natural remedies such as omega-3 fatty acids.
All mood stabilizers come with significant risk factors and side effects. Consult a physician for specific risk factors and/or side effects for each.
Mood stabilizers aren’t nearly as effective as stimulants or tricyclics in the treatment of ADHD. However, they’re invaluable for individuals with ADHD suffering from associated disorders.
Mood stabilizers are available in a variety of forms including tablets, capsules and liquids. Short- and long-acting formulas are available. Typically, the normal preparations are taken between three and four times daily while the extended release versions can be taken just twice daily. Dosages vary per drug.
Mood stabilizers work in a variety of ways. Lithium, for example, increases the amount of serotonin—a known mood stabilizer in the brain. Carbamazepine, volproic acid, and lamotrigine, on the other hand, reduce the number of “pores” that potentiate electric impulses in the brain.
Mood stabilizers are commonly for individuals who have also been diagnosed with an associated psychiatric disorder such as bipolar disorder. In fact, all individuals with bipolar disorder struggle with issues around attention. Mood stabilizers used in the treatment of ADHD include lithium, carbamazepine, valproic acid and lamotrigine.
