This analysis combined data from nine studies conducted in China to look at how mood stabilizers affect adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury. The medications examined included lithium, valproate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and lamotrigine. Researchers compared these drugs against basic therapy alone to see if adding them made a difference.
The findings indicate that adding mood stabilizers significantly reduced the severity of anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and self-injury. The response rate also improved compared to treatment without these medications. These results suggest a potential benefit for this specific group of patients.
The study did not report specific safety concerns, adverse events, or discontinuations. However, because the evidence comes from nine studies without reported limitations or funding details, readers should view these results as promising but not yet definitive. This review offers a clearer picture of treatment options for teens in China facing these challenges.