Drug Treatment for Alcoholics With Bipolar Disorder
Alcoholism, Bipolar Disorder
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Alcoholism
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Meets the criteria for alcohol dependence with comorbid bipolar disorder. Agreement to participate in outpatient treatment. Ability to tolerate lithium carbonate and be randomized to receive sodium valproate or placebo. Stable living situation. Ability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Psychiatric conditions including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, any non-bipolar psychotic disorder, unipolar major depression, mental retardation, or signs of impaired cognitive functioning. Neurological conditions including epilepsy, history of brain injury, encephalitis, or any organic brain syndrome or focally abnormal electroencephalographic examination. Medical conditions including severe cardiac, liver, kidney, endocrine, hematologic, other impairing or unstable medical condition or impending surgery. Persistent elevation of liver function enzymes indicating active liver disease. Pregnancy or not using an acceptable contraceptive method. Inability to read or understand study forms; agree to informed consent. Impending incarceration or a mandate to attend treatment by the legal system for an alcohol use disorder. The presence of either/or cocaine dependence, opioid dependence, and intravenous drug use.
Sites / Locations
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Placebo Comparator
sodium valproate
placebo
sodium valproate was added on treatment as usual and dose monitored by blood level measurements
Placebo comparator was added on treatment as usual and dose monitored by blood level measurements