What type of medication is used in the treatment of manic-depressive illness?

Mood stabilizers are the primary type of medication used in the treatment of manic-depressive illness, also known as bipolar disorder. These medications are specifically designed to help regulate mood swings, preventing the extreme highs of mania and the lows of depression that characterize this condition.

Common mood stabilizers include lithium, certain anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotics. Their action helps to stabilize the overall mood of the patient, improving their quality of life and functional capabilities.

While antidepressants can be useful in treating the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder, they are not sufficient on their own to manage the full scope of symptoms associated with manic-depressive illness. Anxiolytics are primarily utilized to manage anxiety, and stimulants are typically used to treat attention disorders and are not appropriate for controlling mood stability in bipolar individuals. Hence, mood stabilizers are the most effective and targeted pharmacological treatment for manic-depressive illness.