[Anxiolytic action of sodium valproate (possible role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in affective disorders)].

An experimental and clinico-pharmacological study of sodium valproate, a GABA-ergic drug, was conducted to elucidate the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the mechanisms responsible for affective disturbances, in particular for anxiety. A tranquilizing effect of the drug, comparable with the action of diazepam, was established in a conflict situation model in experimental animals. Using clinico-psychological methods the authors showed a distinct tranquilizing action of valproate in patients suffering from neurotic and neurosis-like disorders with manifestations of anxiety in the structure of the psychopathological syndrome. It was established that this action was accompanied by no manifestations of myorelexation, ataxia or somnolence characteristic of tranquilizers of the benzodiazepine series. The presence of tranquilizing properties in the GABA-ergic drug sodium valproate confirms the suggestion that a certain relationship exists between the GABA system and anxiety.