Selective response to the anticonvulsant carbamazepine in manic-depressive illness: a case study

Acute and prophylactic effects of carbamazepine are documented in a double-blind clinical trial in a 55-year-old treatment-refractory, lithium-non-responsive, manic-depressive patient. Double-blind crossover to two other anticonvulsants was also achieved; the patient showed no evidence of response to phenytoin or valproic acid. The clinical and theoretical issues raised by the selective response to carbamazepine in this patient are discussed.