A 28-year-old woman with bipolar disorder type I presents in a manic episode. She has been taking Lithium but stopped it 5 days ago. She is overactive...

Question

A 28-year-old woman with bipolar disorder type I presents in a manic episode. She has been taking Lithium but stopped it 5 days ago. She is overactive, grandiose and has not slept for 3 nights. There is no immediate risk to herself or others. What is the most appropriate pharmacological management?

Accepted Answer

Restart Lithium and consider adding an antipsychotic such as Olanzapine

Answer

Start an SSRI antidepressant

Answer

Prescribe a benzodiazepine only

Answer

Start high-dose steroids

Answer

No pharmacological treatment is required

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Bipolar disorder – acute mania treatment

A 28-year-old woman with bipolar disorder type I presents in a manic episode. She has been taking Lithium but stopped it 5 days ago. She is overactive, grandiose and has not slept for 3 nights. There is no immediate risk to herself or others. What is the most appropriate pharmacological management?