A comparison of anticonvulsants in the treatment of impulsive aggression.
This study compared the behavioral effects of 3 anticonvulsants in impulsive aggressive men. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel groups design, participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 6-week treatments: phenytoin (n = 7), carbamazepine (n = 7), valproate (n = 7), or placebo (n = 8). The efficacy measure was the average aggression score, a global severity index from the Overt Aggression Scale (J. M. Silver & S. C. Yudofsky, 1991). Analysis showed a significant reduction in impulsive aggression during all 3 anticonvulsant conditions compared with placebo. However, the treatment effect during carbamazepine administration was slightly delayed compared with phenytoin and valproate. These findings suggest that increased use of anticonvulsants could make a significant impact in the control of impulsive aggression in both mental health and criminal justice settings.
Stanford
Matthew S
MS
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA. Matthew_Stanford@baylor.edu
Helfritz
Laura E
LE
Conklin
Sarah M
SM
Villemarette-Pittman
Nicole R
NR
Greve
Kevin W
KW
Adams
Donald
D
Houston
Rebecca J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010672:Phenytoin