DIVALPROEX TREATMENT OF DISRUPTIVE ADOLESCENTS - A REPORT OF 10 CASES

Background: To report an open trial of divalproex sodium in 10 adolesc ents with chronic temper outbursts and mood lability. Method: Ten adol escents meeting screening criteria for chronic temper outbursts and mo od lability were followed for 5 consecutive weeks on open divalproex s odium treatment. Temper outburst frequency and mood swings severity at pretreatment and posttreatment were compared by using paired t tests. Subjects continued to be followed to judge persistence of response. R esults: All subjects showed clear improvement at 5 weeks and maintaine d it during followup while taking medication. Rapid relapse and recove ry occurred in 5 of 6 patients who discontinued and then resumed medic ation. Conclusion: Divalproex sodium may be helpful in teenagers who h ave explosive tempers and severe mood swings, and benefits may general ize to school and family life.