The Impact of N-acetylcysteine on Major Depression: Qualitative Observation and Mixed Methods Analysis of Participant Change during a 12-week Randomised Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a novel therapeutic agent with multiple mechanisms of action in the central nervous system and a favourable side effect profile. Clinical evidence indicates that adjunctive NAC may reduce the severity of depressive symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

A 12-week randomised controlled trial of 2,000 mg/day adjunctive NAC for MDD found no significant improvement at the primary endpoint (week 12) but did see improvements at the post-discontinuation interview (week 16). Within the context of patient-centered treatment, mixed-methods qualitative analysis was also included to explore factors that may determine individual responses to adjunctive NAC treatment. These data were drawn, under blinded conditions,

SUBMITTER: Russell SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10157003 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature