Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to obtain pilot data on the use of divalproex sodium for the treatment of PTSD among adult civilian outpatients with a history of childhood physical and/or sexual abuse. METHODS: Outpatients with a primary psychiatric diagnosis of PTSD received open-label, flexibly dosed divalproex sodium as adjuvant therapy or monotherapy for 8 weeks. Overall and subcluster PTSD features, as well as affective symptoms and clinical global improvement, were monitored using standardized assessment scales. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients (5 women, 2 men; mean age, 44.1 years [range, 29-57 years]) were enrolled. At a mean (SD) peak dosage of 1500 (661) mg/d, significant improvement occurred in overall PTSD symptom severity (P<0.02) and in the diagnostic subclusters of hyperarousal and avoidance (P<0.02 for both). Depressive symptoms also were significantly improved from baseline (P<0.02). Divalproex sodium was well tolerated, except in 1 patient who prematurely discontinued treatment due to cognitive adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: These provisional findings support the possible utility of divalproex sodium therapy for adult outpatients with PTSD related to physical and/or sexual abuse during childhood. Controlled trials with larger sample sizes powered to show safety and efficacy are needed to substantiate these initial findings.
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Authors | Joseph F Goldberg, Marylene Cloitre, Joyce E Whiteside, Hyemee Han |
Journal | Current therapeutic research, clinical and experimental
(Curr Ther Res Clin Exp)
Vol. 64
Issue 1
Pg. 45-54
(Jan 2003)
ISSN: 0011-393X [Print] United States |
PMID | 24771880
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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