J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2025 Feb;64(1):1-9. 10.4306/jknpa.2025.64.1.1.

A Review on the Effects of Mood Stabilizers in Aggressive Behavior and Schizophrenia

• Roh HS
• Kang UG

• KMID: 2565538
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2025.64.1.1

Abstract

Bipolar disorder is the main approved indication of mood stabilizers. In clinical practice, however, they are commonly used for 1) patients showing aggressive behavior regardless of the diagnosis and 2) schizophrenia patients. A literature review was performed to find evidence supporting this clinical “common sense.” The authors found no sufficient evidence supporting the efficacy of mood stabilizers either for aggressive behavior or for schizophrenia. The authors suggest that off-label use of mood stabilizers should be based on judicious clinical judgment, based on the understanding “what particular treatment for this patient does the behavior warrant at this time?”

Keyword

Mood stabilizers; Aggressive behavior; Schizophrenia; Off-label use