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Bradlow RCJ, Berk M, Kalivas PW, Back SE, Kanaan RA. The Potential of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:451-482. [PMID: 35316513 PMCID: PMC9095537 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a compound of increasing interest in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glutamate modulation activity, NAC has been investigated in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar-related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive-related disorders, substance-use disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and chronic pain. Whilst there is ample preclinical evidence and theoretical justification for the use of NAC in the treatment of multiple psychiatric disorders, clinical trials in most disorders have yielded mixed results. However, most studies have been underpowered and perhaps too brief, with some evidence of benefit only after months of treatment with NAC. Currently NAC has the most evidence of having a beneficial effect as an adjuvant agent in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, severe autism, depression, and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. Future research with well-powered studies that are of sufficient length will be critical to better understand the utility of NAC in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia ,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Peter W. Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA ,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Sudie E. Back
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC USA ,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Richard A. Kanaan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
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Kishi T, Miyake N, Okuya M, Sakuma K, Iwata N. N-acetylcysteine as an adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression and major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3481-3487. [PMID: 32767039 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05629-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE It remains unclear whether using N-acetylcysteine as an adjunctive treatment has any benefit for bipolar depression and major depressive disorder. OBJECTIVES A systematic review and random-effect meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trials was conducted to explore the clinical question. METHODS Outcomes included improvement in depression scale scores (primary), Young Mania Rating Scale score, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale score, Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) score, Global Assessment of Functioning Scale score, Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale score, Range of Impaired Functioning Tool score, Streamed Longitudinal Interval Clinical Evaluation for the Longitudinal Interview Follow-Up Evaluation score, quality of life scales scores, and the incidence of all-cause discontinuation and individual adverse events. RESULTS Seven studies (n = 728, 8-24 weeks, mean age = 46.81, % female = 58.45%) were included. N-acetylcysteine did not improve depressive symptoms compared with placebo (N = 7, n = 579, standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 0.12, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = - 0.38, 0.14, p = 0.38, I2 = 52.74%). The meta-regression analysis detected an association between effect size and publication year (coefficient = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.00, 0.11, p = 0.04, I2 = 27.56%). Although N-acetylcysteine was superior to placebo in CGI-S score (N = 6, n = 563, SMD = - 0.28, 95% CI = - 0.47, - 0.10, p < 0.01, I2 = 14.88%), there was no significant difference in the other efficacy outcomes between the treatment groups. Although N-acetylcysteine was associated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events compared with placebo (N = 4, n = 537, risk ratio = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.32, p < 0.01, I2 = 0.00%, number needed to treat to harm = 7), there was no significant difference in all-cause discontinuation and other safety outcomes between the treatments. CONCLUSIONS Although N-acetylcysteine decreased CGI-S score, no specific improvements in symptoms were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Kishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Nobumi Miyake
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Makoto Okuya
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakuma
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Nakao Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, 1-98 Dengakugakubo, Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
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Instanes JT, Klungsøyr K, Halmøy A, Fasmer OB, Haavik J. Adult ADHD and Comorbid Somatic Disease: A Systematic Literature Review. J Atten Disord 2018; 22:203-228. [PMID: 27664125 PMCID: PMC5987989 DOI: 10.1177/1087054716669589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review, synthesize, and appraise available evidence, connecting adult ADHD with somatic disease. METHOD Embase, Psychinfo, and Medline databases were searched for studies published from 1994 to 2015 addressing adult ADHD and somatic comorbidity. Somatic conditions were classified according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes. Levels of evidence were graded as inconclusive, tentative, or well documented. RESULTS Most of the 126 studies included in the qualitative synthesis were small and of modest quality. Obesity, sleep disorders, and asthma were well-documented comorbidities in adult ADHD. Tentative evidence was found for an association between adult ADHD and migraine and celiac disease. In a large health registry study, cardiovascular disease was not associated with adult ADHD. CONCLUSION There are few large systematic studies using standardized diagnostic criteria evaluating adult ADHD and somatic comorbidities. Significant associations are found between adult ADHD and several somatic diseases, and these are important to consider when assessing and treating either adult ADHD or the somatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Telnes Instanes
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Norway,Johanne Telnes Instanes, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, N-5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Kari Klungsøyr
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway,Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Halmøy
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Norway,Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ole Bernt Fasmer
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Norway,Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Haavik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Norway,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Norway,Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Fountoulakis KN, Yatham L, Grunze H, Vieta E, Young A, Blier P, Kasper S, Moeller HJ. The International College of Neuro-Psychopharmacology (CINP) Treatment Guidelines for Bipolar Disorder in Adults (CINP-BD-2017), Part 2: Review, Grading of the Evidence, and a Precise Algorithm. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:121-179. [PMID: 27816941 PMCID: PMC5409012 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyw100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current paper includes a systematic search of the literature, a detailed presentation of the results, and a grading of treatment options in terms of efficacy and tolerability/safety. Material and Methods The PRISMA method was used in the literature search with the combination of the words 'bipolar,' 'manic,' 'mania,' 'manic depression,' and 'manic depressive' with 'randomized,' and 'algorithms' with 'mania,' 'manic,' 'bipolar,' 'manic-depressive,' or 'manic depression.' Relevant web pages and review articles were also reviewed. Results The current report is based on the analysis of 57 guideline papers and 531 published papers related to RCTs, reviews, posthoc, or meta-analysis papers to March 25, 2016. The specific treatment options for acute mania, mixed episodes, acute bipolar depression, maintenance phase, psychotic and mixed features, anxiety, and rapid cycling were evaluated with regards to efficacy. Existing treatment guidelines were also reviewed. Finally, Tables reflecting efficacy and recommendation levels were created that led to the development of a precise algorithm that still has to prove its feasibility in everyday clinical practice. Conclusions A systematic literature search was conducted on the pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder to identify all relevant random controlled trials pertaining to all aspects of bipolar disorder and graded the data according to a predetermined method to develop a precise treatment algorithm for management of various phases of bipolar disorder. It is important to note that the some of the recommendations in the treatment algorithm were based on the secondary outcome data from posthoc analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos N Fountoulakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Lakshmi Yatham
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Heinz Grunze
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Eduard Vieta
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Allan Young
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Pierre Blier
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Jurgen Moeller
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Mood Disorders Centre of Excellence, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Canada; Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria; Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom; The Royal Institute of Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Vienna, MUV, AKH, Vienna, Austria; Psychiatric Department Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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Minarini A, Ferrari S, Galletti M, Giambalvo N, Perrone D, Rioli G, Galeazzi GM. N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: current status and future prospects. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 13:279-292. [PMID: 27766914 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2017.1251580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is widely known for its role as a mucolytic and as an antidote to paracetamol overdose. There is increasing interest in the use of NAC in the treatment of several psychiatric disorders. The rationale for the administration of NAC in psychiatric conditions is based on its role as a precursor to the antioxidant glutathione, and its action as a modulating agent of glutamatergic, dopaminergic, neurotropic and inflammatory pathways. Areas covered: This study reviews the available data regarding the use of NAC in different psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders, autism, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder. Promising results were found in trials testing the use of NAC, mainly as an add-on treatment, in cannabis use disorder in young people, depression in bipolar disorder, negative symptoms in schizophrenia, and excoriation (skin-picking) disorder. Despite initial optimism, recent findings regarding NAC efficacy in autism have been disappointing. Expert opinion: These preliminary positive results require further confirmation in larger samples and with longer follow-ups. Given its high tolerability and wide availability, NAC represents an important target to investigate in the field of new adjunctive treatments for psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Minarini
- a Department of Diagnostic-Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | - Silvia Ferrari
- a Department of Diagnostic-Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | - Martina Galletti
- a Department of Diagnostic-Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | - Nina Giambalvo
- a Department of Diagnostic-Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | - Daniela Perrone
- a Department of Diagnostic-Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | - Giulia Rioli
- a Department of Diagnostic-Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- a Department of Diagnostic-Clinical Medicine and Public Health , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
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