Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

Wellbutrin is primarily used to treat which disorders?

1. General Anxiety Disorder

2. Major Depressive Disorder

3. OCD

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

The correct answer is: Major Depressive Disorder

Wellbutrin, also known by its generic name bupropion, is primarily prescribed for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It is an atypical antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, primarily norepinephrine and dopamine. This mechanism helps elevate mood and alleviate the symptoms of depression. While Wellbutrin can also be used in some cases to treat other conditions, such as seasonal affective disorder and as a smoking cessation aid, its main indication and the most established use is for Major Depressive Disorder. This contrasts with the other options provided, which do not typically have Wellbutrin as a primary treatment. For example, General Anxiety Disorder and the obsessive-compulsive disorders listed generally fall under a different category of medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This highlights the specificity of Wellbutrin's approved uses in psychiatric care, reinforcing its role in addressing depression effectively.