Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
Divalproex sodium in substance abusers with mood disorder
M J Albanese1, R C Clodfelter, E J Khantzian
1Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health, Tewksbury Hospital, 01876, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Divalproex sodium shows promise in treating individuals with both mood disorders and substance abuse. This medication appears safe and effective, potentially aiding in mood stabilization and maintaining abstinence.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Substance abuse frequently co-occurs with mood disorders, yet pharmacologic treatments for this comorbidity are not well-documented.
- Affective lability in patients with co-occurring substance abuse presents a unique clinical challenge.
- This study explores the use of divalproex sodium for managing mood disorders in substance-abusing patients.
Observation:
- A naturalistic trial involved 20 inpatients diagnosed with comorbid mood disorder and substance abuse, treated with divalproex sodium.
- Patients were assessed using the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale and laboratory studies.
- Follow-up included clinical monitoring, CGI assessments, and laboratory analyses.
Findings:
- Divalproex sodium treatment resulted in improved mood in a majority of patients.
- The medication was safely used in conjunction with other psychiatric drugs for 13 patients.
- Most patients maintained abstinence, with some reporting reduced cravings; side effects like tremor were minimal.
Implications:
- Divalproex sodium demonstrates potential efficacy and safety as a monotherapy or adjunct treatment for substance-abusing patients with mood disorders.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger, controlled studies.
- This approach may offer a valuable therapeutic option for a complex patient population.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Mania, a psychological condition characterized by elevated mood, increased energy, and reduced sleep need, is part of the bipolar disorder cycle. The exact cause of mania isn't entirely known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Bipolar disorder involves alternating manic and depressive episodes. Mood stabilizers like lithium, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants help manage these episodes. Lithium carbonate is particularly effective as a...
01:25Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant drugs are a class of medications primarily used for treating various mood disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. These medicines work by modulating the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, alleviating depressive symptoms. Antidepressants can be broadly categorized into several groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:30Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
01:30Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early years,...