Divalproex Sodium (Depakote) for Explosive Tempers in Adolescents and Adults

Inclusion Criteria: Meets DSM-IV criteria for a disruptive behavior disorder (e.g., oppositional/defiant disorder, conduct disorder) Explosive temper, defined as four or more outbursts of rage, property destruction, or fighting per month Mood liability, defined as having multiple, daily, distinct shifts from normal to irritable mood with withdrawn or boisterous behavior Chronic symptoms, defined of at least 1 year duration when not receiving treatment Impairment from the above symptoms in two or more areas, including school, the law, family, substance use, peers, or work (as manifested by a GAF score of 55 or less) Symptoms not limited to a particular place or to particular intimate relationships General good health Custodial parent or guardian gives informed consent Exclusion Criteria: History of non drug-induced psychosis Seizure or other neurologic disturbance Pregnant Moderate to severe mental retardation Sexually active females who refuse to use an adequate method of contraception for the duration of the study Significant medical problems Current suicidal or homicidal ideation Uses barbiturates Refusal to permit weekly contact with school officials Bipolar I or II disorder Major depressive disorder First degree relative with bipolar I or II disorder Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder Post traumatic stress disorder Clinical evidence of hyperandrogenism in a female Liver disease Thrombocytopenia Pancreatic disease