Authors: Joffee H, et al.
Title: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with valproate use in bipolar women.
Reference: APA 2004 New Research Presentation.
Purpose: To determine whether valproate exposure predisposes bipolar women to PCOS.
Study design: Retrospective observational sub-study from the STEP study.
Follow up: At least 3 months.
Patients: 229 patients taking a mood stabilizer were evaluated for treatment-emergent PCOS (86 divalproex versus 143 non-divalproex).
Treatment: Divalproex or other mood stabilizer.
Results: 10.5% of patients receiving valproate developed PCOS after initiation of therapy compared with 1.4% of patients receiving other mood stabilizers. Treatment-emergent PCOS developed rapidly with valproate treatment (median of 3 months) and was associated with obesity and insulin resistance.