Divalproex sodium in sex offenders with bipolar disorders and comorbid paraphilias: an open retrospective study.
BACKGROUND
This study evaluated divalproex response in sex offenders with a bipolar disorder.


METHODS
We reviewed the records of all sex offenders who participated in a residential rehabilitative program who received divalproex for treatment of a bipolar disorder. Patients' mood symptoms and, when present, comorbid paraphilic symptoms, were retrospectively assessed using the CGI severity scale.


RESULTS
Sex offenders displayed significant improvement in manic symptoms with divalproex treatment. However, there was no significant improvement in paraphilic symptoms in the subset of patients admitting to these symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Divalproex may be effective for manic symptoms in sex offenders with a bipolar disorder. However, for bipolar sex offenders with comorbid paraphilias, the drug may not be effective for paraphilic symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This study was limited by its retrospective, open-label design, lack of systematic means of assessing manic and paraphilic symptoms, and small sample size.


CONCLUSIONS
Divalproex may be a helpful adjunct in the treatment of the subset of sex offenders who have a bipolar disorder.
Nelson
E
E
Biological Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry and the Center for Biostatistical Services, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Mail Location 559, 231 Bethesda Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Brusman
L
L
Holcomb
J
J
Soutullo
C
C
Beckman
D
D
Welge
J A
JA
Kuppili
N
N
McElroy
S L
SL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010262:Paraphilic Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid