title: Divalproex in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in a veteran population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of divalproex for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) hyperarousal symptom cluster.
  
  
  METHODS
  Under double-blind conditions, 85 US military veterans with PTSD were randomized to treatment with divalproex or placebo for 8 weeks. All patients who received at least 1 dose of medication and 1 postbaseline assessment (n = 82) were included in the efficacy population. The primary outcome measure was the hyperarousal subscale of the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant intergroup differences in primary or secondary end points. The final mean (SD) divalproex dose and serum valproic acid level were 2309 +/- 507 mg/d and 82 +/- 30 mg/L, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Divalproex monotherapy was not effective in the treatment of chronic PTSD in predominantly older male combat veterans. Further study is needed to determine the efficacy of divalproex in the management of PTSD in women or civilians or in combination with antidepressants.
authors.affiliation: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404, USA. lori.davis@va.gov
authors.forename: Lori L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Jonathan R T
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: L Charles
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: Al
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bartolucci
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bowden
authors.forename: Frederick
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Petty
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D018682:GABA Agents / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014728:Veterans
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018682:GABA Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid