Divalproex sodium in the treatment of aggressive behavior.
Divalproex sodium was given to a series of agitated individuals with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. Objective measures of agitation were then used to assess the effect of the divalproex sodium on such behavior. Demographic, diagnostic, medical, and physiological data were compiled on the subjects and the variation in the amount of time spent in an agitated state was evaluated in an attempt to account for the variation. We found that divalproex sodium reduced agitation in a variety of psychiatric conditions. It seems to be especially effective in the treatment of the agitated patient with bipolar illness or borderline personality disorder.
Wilcox
J
J
Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech University Medical Center, El Paso 79905.
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006783:Hospitals, State; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014635:Valproic Acid