The last time Ryan experienced a manic phase, he proposed marriage to four women in one day, maxed out all his credit cards, and quit his job. Ryan's psychiatrist will most likely prescribe a(n) to control his symptoms. a. antidepressant drug b. antipsychotic drug c. stimulant drug d. anti-anxiety drug

In a manic phase, symptoms usually include increased energy, impulsiveness, and risky behaviors. In Ryan's case, he proposed marriage to four women, maxed out his credit cards, and quit his job. These behaviors are consistent with mania.

There are four categories of drugs given in the question: a. Antidepressant drugs: These are used to treat depression and they work by balancing the chemicals in the brain responsible for regulating mood. b. Antipsychotic drugs: These drugs are used to treat severe mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics work by controlling the symptoms of mania and psychosis. c. Stimulant drugs: These drugs are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions where the patient needs an increase in alertness and energy. Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. d. Anti-anxiety drugs: These drugs are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. They work by reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Ryan's symptoms are consistent with a manic phase, which is one aspect of bipolar disorder. Based on the descriptions of each drug category, it becomes clear that an antipsychotic drug would be the most appropriate medication for treating Ryan's symptoms, as this category of drugs is specifically designed to control the symptoms of mania and psychosis.

The correct answer for this exercise is b. antipsychotic drug, as it fits the description of a drug that would treat Ryan's manic symptoms effectively.