Final Answer:
For bipolar I disorder, characterized by mild depressive episodes and severe manic episodes, lithium is highly effective. Since manic episodes can involve disturbed thoughts, like those experienced by people with schizophrenia, the antipsychotic drug quetiapine is sometimes prescribed as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the treatment of bipolar I disorder, which involves alternating periods of depressive and manic episodes, certain medications play crucial roles. Lithium is a widely recognized and effective mood stabilizer used primarily to address the manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. It helps regulate mood swings and prevent the severity of manic episodes, providing relief to individuals experiencing this form of bipolar disorder.
Additionally, the mention of quetiapine, an antipsychotic drug, highlights its role in managing symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Manic episodes in bipolar disorder may involve symptoms resembling those seen in schizophrenia, such as disturbed thoughts. Quetiapine, as an antipsychotic medication, is prescribed to address these symptoms, contributing to the overall management of bipolar I disorder. It aids in stabilizing mood and reducing the intensity of psychotic features that may accompany severe manic episodes.
The passage emphasizes the tailored approach to treating bipolar I disorder, recognizing the need for different medications to address the distinct phases of the illness. Medications like lithium and quetiapine, with their specific mechanisms of action, offer relief by targeting the mood instability and associated symptoms characteristic of bipolar I disorder.