Drug Treatment for Alcoholics With Bipolar Disorder

The aim of this study is to test the mood stabilizer, anticonvulsant, sodium valproate in individuals with alcohol dependence and bipolar disorder, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized trial of 6 months duration. All subjects are treated with treatment as usual, which include lithium carbonate and individual dual recovery counseling and are randomized to either sodium valproate or placebo.

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.