In the introduction of the presented review the authors give reasons for seeking alternatives for the use of lithium in the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. In the main part of the paper they recapitulate available psychiatric literature published recently, dealing with the use of valproate in the acute treatment of manic and depressive episodes, and in follow-up and maintenance treatment of a mixed episode. Valproate is more effective in acute treatment of a manic episode than a depressive episode. Valproate is more effective than lithium in the treatment of rapid cycling and it can be used in follow-up and maintenance treatment of bipolar affective disorder.

        Key words: bipolar affective disorder - treatment - valproate - acute treatment - maintenance treatment - depressive episode - manic episode - lithium.v