Which medication is commonly used for treating manic episodes in bipolar disorder?

Lithium is a cornerstone treatment for managing manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. It has mood-stabilizing properties that help to reduce both the frequency and severity of manic and depressive episodes. The efficacy of lithium in treating mania has been well-established through numerous studies, making it a first-line option in psychiatric practice for these types of episodes.

In contrast, options like sertraline, escitalopram, and fluvoxamine are primarily antidepressants that are effective for treating depression and anxiety disorders. While they may be beneficial in the depressive phases of bipolar disorder, they do not address the manic phase adequately and can sometimes induce mania if prescribed without a mood stabilizer. Therefore, lithium is preferred for its specific action on mania, underpinning its role in the management of bipolar disorder.