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Divalproex Sodium for the Treatment of PTSD and Conduct Disordered Youth: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

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Abstract

We examined the efficacy of divalproex sodium (DVP) for the treatment of PTSD in conduct disorder, utilizing a previous study in which 71 youth were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Twelve had PTSD. Subjects (all males, mean age 16,␣SD 1.0) were randomized into high and low dose conditions. Clinical Global Impression (CGI) ratings for core PTSD symptoms (Intrusion, avoidance and hyper arousal) were primary outcome measures, weekly slopes of impulsivity secondary ones. Intent-to-treat analyses showed significant positive associations between receiving high dose of DVP CGI’s. Parallel analyses comparing outcome by drug level achieved strengthened the results.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants to Dr. Steiner by Abbott Pharmaceuticals, The California Wellness Foundation and by the California Youth Authority.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Child Psychiatry and Child Development, Stanford University School of Medicine, 401 Quarry Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5719, USA

    Hans Steiner, Kirti S. Saxena, Victor Carrion, Leena A. Khanzode, Melissa Silverman & Kiki Chang

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  1. Hans Steiner
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  2. Kirti S. Saxena
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  3. Victor Carrion
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  4. Leena A. Khanzode
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  5. Melissa Silverman
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  6. Kiki Chang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Leena A. Khanzode.

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Steiner, H., Saxena, K.S., Carrion, V. et al. Divalproex Sodium for the Treatment of PTSD and Conduct Disordered Youth: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 38, 183–193 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-007-0055-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-007-0055-8

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