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Correlates of antimanic response to valproate
S L McElroy1, P E Keck, H G Pope
1McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA.
Psychopharmacology Bulletin
|January 11, 1991
Summary
Valproate effectively treated acute mania in 71% of patients, with responders showing better outcomes. Factors like age of onset and sleep disruption influenced valproate
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute mania is a severe neuropsychiatric condition requiring effective treatment.
- Antiepileptic agents are explored for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.
- Valproate is an established antiepileptic drug with mood-stabilizing properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of valproate in treating acute mania.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of valproate in this patient population.
- To identify predictors of treatment response to valproate.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
- Seventeen patients with acute mania were treated with valproate for 7-21 days.
- Lorazepam was permitted as needed for agitation/insomnia for the first 10 days.
Main Results:
- Twelve out of 17 patients (71%) showed a significant response to valproate.
- Responders exhibited decreased Young Mania Rating Scale (MRS) scores.
- Factors associated with response included older age of onset, shorter illness duration, and higher early serum valproate levels.
Conclusions:
- Valproate demonstrates significant efficacy in treating acute mania.
- Sleep disruption at baseline predicted a greater degree of valproate response.
- Valproate is a viable treatment option for acute manic episodes.