Which mood stabilizer is frequently used for managing bipolar disorder?

Valproate is frequently used for managing bipolar disorder due to its effectiveness as a mood stabilizer. It works primarily by increasing the availability of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and by regulating mood-related neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The use of Valproate is particularly beneficial during manic episodes of bipolar disorder and for the prevention of mood swings. It has a robust evidence base supporting its use, particularly in acute mania and maintenance treatment.

In contrast, Fluoxetine is an antidepressant and is generally used to treat major depressive disorders, not specifically as a first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. While it can sometimes be used in combination with mood stabilizers, it may also provoke manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder if not carefully managed.

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that can be used as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar disorder, especially for mania and mixed episodes. However, it is not classified as a primary mood stabilizer on its own.

Buspirone is an anxiolytic, typically used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, and does not have a primary role in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Thus, Valproate stands out as the primary agent