An open-label trial of divalproex in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of divalproex sodium (Depakote ® ) in the treatment of youths with bipolar disorder. Method: Forty bipolar disorder patients aged 7 to 19 years, with a manic, hypomanic, or mixed episode, enrolled in an open-label study of divalproex (2–8 weeks), followed by a double-blind, placebo-controlled period (8 weeks). Results: Twenty-two subjects (61%) showed ≥50% improvement in Mania Rating Scale (MRS) scores during the open-label period. Significant ( p Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support for the safety and effectiveness of divalproex in the treatment of bipolar disorder in youths.