Neurologic factors predict a favorable valproate response in bipolar and schizoaffective disorders

J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1994 Oct;14(5):311-3.

Abstract

The hypothesis that neurologic factors influence the response to valproate (divalproex sodium) in bipolar and schizoaffective disorders was tested. In 115 predominantly lithium-refractory inpatients, neurologic findings were recorded, and blind raters assessed valproate response from the medical record. Patients with a seizure history were much more likely to have a robust response to valproate (70%), when compared with patients without such history (34.6%). History of head injury and abnormal electroencephalographic findings also tended to be more common in those patients with good response. Overall, the group of patients with any neurologic abnormality exhibited a significantly higher rate of good response to valproate (43.6%) than did the neurologically normal group (24.3%). Bipolar or schizoaffective patients with abnormal neurologic features may represent a distinct subtype of illness and appear to be good candidates for valproate therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Brain Damage, Chronic / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Electroencephalography / drug effects
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / psychology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Neurocognitive Disorders / psychology
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Valproic Acid