Final answer:
It's recommended to avoid antidepressants in patients with potential bipolar disorder, as they can trigger manic episodes if not paired with a mood stabilizer. Other treatments like antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and psychotherapy are often part of the treatment regimen. The correct option is a).
Step-by-step explanation:
In patients with potential bipolar disorder, it is generally advised to avoid antidepressants if they are not being used in conjunction with a mood stabilizer.
The concern is that antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and other classes, can trigger manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder if used alone.
While other medications like antipsychotics, mood stabilizers such as lithium, and possibly benzodiazepines can be part of the treatment regimen for bipolar disorder, great care must be taken with antidepressants.
Psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and deep-brain stimulation are additional treatment options that may be considered. Option a) is the correct one.