What is the main therapeutic role of lithium when considering mood disorders?

Lithium is primarily recognized for its role in mood stabilization, particularly in individuals with bipolar disorder. This mood disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. Lithium serves to reduce the frequency and severity of these mood swings and helps maintain a more stable mood over time. Its efficacy in managing manic episodes and preventing recurrences has been well-documented, making it a cornerstone of treatment for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

While lithium can have some effects on depressive episodes, its main therapeutic value lies in stabilizing mood rather than directly treating depression. Similarly, while anti-anxiety medications might be appropriate for some patients, lithium's primary indication is not focused on anxiety disorders. Somatic therapies involve physical interventions, not chemical ones like lithium. Therefore, the role of lithium as a mood stabilizer in bipolar disorder is central to its use in clinical practice.