WATCH 2011 Annual Meeting All-Access Right Here

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Comparative Effectiveness of Psychotropic Drugs

"What Can We Learn From Practical Clinical Trials?" presented data from the latest large practical trials in mood disorders and schizophrenia. Among the highlights were the following. In the United Kingdom’s Balance Study it was found that for bipolar disorder, the combination of the medications lithium and valproate was more effective than valproate alone and that lithium was nonsignificantly better than valproate in preventing relapses and maintaining stability. In addition, the NIMH CATIE study group or Schizophrenia Trials Network reported on the METS Study and found that metformin 2 grams/day produced a 3 kg weight loss in patients with antipsychotic induced weight gain. Other studies described important important results addressing fundamental questions in the treatment of psychotic and mood disorders.

Jeffrey A. Lieberman, M.D.
Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Director, New York State Psychiatric Institute Director, Lieber Center for Schizophrenia Research Psychiatrist-in-Chief @ New York Presbyterian Hospital & Columbia University Medical Center

1 comment:

  1. I too agree with you as lithium and valproate are more effective for psychotropic drugs.

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