Which one of the following classes of drugs is first line of treatment for bipolar disorders? a. monoamine oxidase inhibitors b. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors c. cortisol d. mood stabilizers e. antibiotics

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). The primary goal of treating bipolar disorder is to help individuals manage their mood swings and related symptoms.

We will now go through each option and discuss its relevance to bipolar disorder treatment. a. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - These drugs are a type of antidepressant that works by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. While they can be effective in treating depression, they are not typically the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder due to side effects and dietary restrictions. b. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - SSRIs are another class of antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. These are commonly prescribed for depression but can trigger manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. As such, they are not usually first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. c. Cortisol - Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands to help the body respond to stress. It is not a treatment for bipolar disorder. d. Mood stabilizers - Mood stabilizers are drugs that help control mood swings in individuals with bipolar disorder. They work by balancing out the neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Mood stabilizers are often the first line of treatment for people with bipolar disorder, as they are effective in both preventing and treating the symptoms. e. Antibiotics - Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections; they are not used to treat bipolar disorder.

Based on the evaluation of each option, the correct answer is (d) mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are the first line of treatment for bipolar disorders because they help control mood swings and are effective for preventing and treating symptoms.