Effects of olanzapine combined with sodium valproate on symptoms, inflammatory markers, and cognitive function in patients with bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes that significantly impact mood and cognitive function. Recent research has linked BD to neuroinflammation. Despite the availability of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers as standard treatments, their efficacy and side effects can vary, underscoring the need for more effective therapeutic strategies. This study aims to evaluate the combined effects of olanzapine and sodium valproate on clinical symptoms and inflammatory markers in patients with BD. A total of 80 BD patients from the Fifth People's Hospital of Jiujiang, treated between April 2022 and April 2024, were enrolled in the study. They were divided into 2 groups: the control group, which received olanzapine monotherapy, and the observation group, which received a combination of olanzapine and sodium valproate. After 8 weeks of treatment, clinical efficacy was assessed using the Bech-Rafaelsen Mania scale and the Hamilton depression scale. Serum inflammatory markers, including interleukin-1, interleukin-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, were measured along with neuroendocrine function indicators (thyroid hormone, cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone). Cognitive function was evaluated using computerized assessments, and adverse events were monitored and recorded. The observation group exhibited significantly lower Bech-Rafaelsen Mania scale and Hamilton depression scale scores, as well as reduced interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels compared to the control group. Both groups showed decreased levels of serum thyroid hormone, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone, along with increased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels after treatment, with more pronounced changes observed in the observation group (P < .01). Additionally, cognitive function scores were significantly higher in the observation group (P < .05), and the incidence of adverse events was lower (15.00% vs 22.50%, χ² = 0.38, P < .01). The combination of olanzapine and sodium valproate leads to significant improvements in clinical symptoms, reduces inflammatory markers, enhances cognitive function, and demonstrates greater safety compared to olanzapine monotherapy. This combination therapy offers a promising treatment approach for managing BD.