Application of N-Acetylcysteine in Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

In this chapter we review the evidence of the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in psychiatric disorders excluding disorders of addiction. Each of these disorders is reviewed individually with the most up-to-date evidence for the usage of NAC in their treatment along with recommendations when possible. There was not enough evidence to make recommendations for anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but the available studies were promising. More evidence was available for other psychiatric disorders reviewed with mixed recommendations for autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, impulse-control disorders (i.e., onychophagia, trichotillomania, excoriation disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Given that NAC positively modulates many underlying pathophysiological mechanisms associated with psychiatric disorders, it is a very promising therapy that requires further study.