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Add-on treatment with N-acetylcysteine for bipolar depression: a 24-week randomized double-blind parallel group
Pernille Kempel Ellegaard1,2,3, Rasmus Wentzer Licht4,5, Henrik Enghusen Poulsen6,7
1Institute of Regional Health Services Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. Pernille.ellegaard@rsyd.dk.
International Journal of Bipolar Disorders
|April 6, 2018
Summary
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) shows promise in treating bipolar depression by reducing depressive symptoms and oxidative stress markers. This adjunctive therapy offers a potential new option for managing this challenging mood disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in bipolar disorder development and progression.
- Effective treatments for bipolar depression are limited compared to mania.
- N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, is being investigated for psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy of adjunctive N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) compared to placebo in adults with bipolar depression.
- To explore the biological effects of NAC on oxidative stress markers in bipolar depression.
- To test the hypothesis that NAC reduces depressive symptoms and associated oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- A 20-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving adults with bipolar disorder in a depressive episode.
- Participants received 3 grams of adjunctive NAC daily or a placebo.
- Primary outcome measured by change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); secondary outcomes include other depression, mania, well-being, and functioning scales. Oxidative stress markers assessed via blood and urine samples.
Main Results:
- *(Results not yet available as the study is ongoing/data not yet published)*
Conclusions:
- *(Conclusions not yet available as the study is ongoing/data not yet published)*
Keywords:
AcetylcysteineBipolar disorderBloodDepressionGeneticsInflammationOxidative stressPsychiatryTreatmentUrineMore Related Videos
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