June 19, 2005
Comments
Divalproex is often prescribed to people who do not respond to lithium treatment. This group of people may be less stable in general - and thus at a higher risk for suicide.
From reading the article, it is not immediately clear to me whether this was factored into the comparison. The higher attempts of suicide for the people in the divalproex group may be only a reflection of the population's higher initial risk level compared to the population on lithium.
So, I think more research needs to done before a return to only lithium is recommended.
Posted by: Sonya at September 27, 2005 1:53 PM
Divalproex is often prescribed to people who do not respond to lithium treatment. This group of people may be less stable in general - and thus at a higher risk for suicide.
From reading the article, it is not immediately clear to me whether this was factored into the comparison. The higher attempts of suicide for the people in the divalproex group may be only a reflection of the population's higher initial risk level compared to the population on lithium.
So, I think more research needs to done before a return to only lithium is recommended.
Posted by: Sonya at September 27, 2005 1:53 PM