“Should people with bipolar disorder take SSRIs during this stressful time?”

SSRIs can help with stress-related anxiety and depression, but using them for bipolar disorder without any mood stabilizer could bring the manic symptoms faster.

Laeeq Tahir, MBBS., MD., FRCPC

SSRI's are not typically used for situational stress. In Bipolar 1 disorder (Manic Depressive Illness), they can precipitate mania. Your treatment history and past responses to medication as well current participation in therapy would ultimately factor in the decision.

Bryan Fennelly, MD