An open clinical trial of carbamazepine in treatment-resistant bipolar and schizo-affective psychotics

Abstract

Eleven patients took CBZ for the minimum of eight weeks. Of the bipolar patients, four responded very favourably indeed, with an excellent acute and prophylactic effect. Of the remaining three bipolar patients, two showed more limited response (less frequent or severe mood swings), but the other (with a persistent low-grade depression) showed none. In the schizo-affectives, however, the response was much less. Mood swings were improved in one patient but not in two, and the fourth was inconclusive.