Balancing the mind: The critical role of carbamazepine as a mood stabilizer in bipolar and schizoaffective disorders

El Fellah Sara *, Adali Imane and Manoudi Fatiha

Research team for mental health, University Psychiatric Service IBN Nafis Hospital, Mohamed VI University Hospital, Marrakech. Morocco.
 
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2024, 22(02), 1063–1066
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2024.22.2.1328
 
Publication history: 
Received on 30 March 2024; revised on 11 May 2024; accepted on 13 May 2024
 
Abstract: 
This case study explores the therapeutic application and associated challenges of using carbamazepine as a mood stabilizer in the management of schizoaffective disorder. The patient, a 42-year-old male with a history of schizoaffective disorder, exhibited acute manic symptoms exacerbated by substance use and non-compliance with medication. The introduction of carbamazepine initially showed promise in stabilizing mood and reducing psychotic symptoms. However, the treatment course was complicated by a significant adverse dermatological reaction. This necessitated a switch to valproic acid, which was better tolerated. The case underscores the importance of careful monitoring and readiness to adjust treatment in response to carbamazepine-induced side effects. This study highlights the critical need for individualized treatment plans and emphasizes the role of pharmacogenetic testing in predicting adverse drug reactions, ensuring safer and more effective management of psychiatric conditions.
 
Keywords: 
Carbamazepine; Schizoaffective Disorder; Mood Stabilizer; Adverse Drug Reactions; Pharmacogenetics; Psychiatric Treatment; Case Study; Valproic Acid
 
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