Use of Valproic Acid for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Acquired Brain Injuries
July 2020
in “
Acta Neuropsychologica
”
TLDR Valproic acid effectively reduces aggressive and impulsive behaviors in brain injury patients with acceptable side effects.
Three years ago, a study was conducted on 43 individuals with acquired brain injuries and neuropsychiatric symptoms, who were treated with valproic acid. The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment. After 12 months, 24 out of the 43 individuals completed the study, with 11 being excluded due to poor tolerance. The side effects reported were temporary and of mild to moderate intensity, except for hair loss. The study found that aggressive and impulsive behaviors were significantly reduced in the study group, with the therapeutic effect of valproic acid varying depending on the degree of cognitive impairments. The study concluded that valproic acid showed satisfactory efficacy and acceptable tolerance in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms accompanying acquired brain injuries.