Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHOD: We conducted a placebo-controlled double-blind study of divalproex sodium in 30 female subjects aged 18 to 40 years who met Revised Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines and DSM-IV criteria for borderline personality disorder and DSM-IV criteria for bipolar II disorder. Subjects were randomly assigned to divalproex sodium or placebo in a 2:1 manner. Treatment duration was 6 months. Primary outcome measures were changes on the interpersonal sensitivity, anger/hostility, and depression scales of the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) as well as the total score of the modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). RESULTS: Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to divalproex sodium; 10 subjects to placebo. Using a last-observation-carried-forward paradigm and controlling for baseline severity, divalproex sodium proved to be superior to placebo in diminishing interpersonal sensitivity and anger/hostility as measured by the SCL-90 as well as overall aggression as measured by the MOAS. Adverse effects were infrequent. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that divalproex sodium may be a safe and effective agent in the treatment of women with criteria-defined borderline personality disorder and comorbid bipolar II disorder, significantly decreasing their irritability and anger, the tempestuousness of their relationships, and their impulsive aggressiveness.
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Authors | Frances R Frankenburg, Mary C Zanarini |
Journal | The Journal of clinical psychiatry
(J Clin Psychiatry)
Vol. 63
Issue 5
Pg. 442-6
(May 2002)
ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12019669
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Anticonvulsants
- Placebos
- Valproic Acid
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aggression
(drug effects, psychology)
- Anger
(drug effects)
- Anticonvulsants
(therapeutic use)
- Bipolar Disorder
(drug therapy, epidemiology, psychology)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
(drug therapy, epidemiology, psychology)
- Comorbidity
- Depressive Disorder
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Hostility
- Humans
- Personality Inventory
- Pilot Projects
- Placebos
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Sex Factors
- Treatment Outcome
- Valproic Acid
(therapeutic use)
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