Final answer:
Medical treatment of bipolar disorder typically begins with mood stabilizers such as lithium to manage the condition's intense mood fluctuations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medical treatment of bipolar disorder typically begins with the use of mood stabilizers. These medications, such as lithium, are essential in managing the dramatic shifts in mood and energy characteristic of bipolar disorder, also known historically as manic depression. Mood stabilizers help in stabilizing the extreme highs (manic episodes) and lows (depressive episodes) that are part of the condition. It is critical that treatment for bipolar disorder is tailored to the individual and monitored by a healthcare professional to ensure effectiveness and to manage any side effects. While antidepressants are also used in the treatment of mood disorders, they are used with caution in bipolar disorder as they can potentially induce mania if not balanced with an appropriate mood stabilizer.