Cited by 494Treatment of Major DepressionSchizophrenia research and treatmentSulfur Compounds in Biology

N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action

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Dean, Olivia, Giorlando, Frank, Berk, Michael·2011·Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience

Abstract

There is an expanding field of research investigating the benefits of alternatives to current pharmacological therapies in psychiatry. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is emerging as a useful agent in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Like many therapies, the clinical origins of NAC are far removed from its current use in psychiatry. Whereas the mechanisms of NAC are only beginning to be understood, it is likely that NAC is exerting benefits beyond being a precursor to the antioxidant, glutathione, modulating glutamatergic, neurotropic and inflammatory pathways. This review outlines the current literature regarding the use of NAC in disorders including addiction, compulsive and grooming disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. N-acetylcysteine has shown promising results in populations with these disorders, including those in whom treatment efficacy has previously been limited. The therapeutic potential of this acetylated amino acid is beginning to emerge in the field of psychiatric research.

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Authors
Dean, O., Giorlando, F., & Berk, M.
Affiliations
Barwon Health (AU)
Venue
Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Published
2011-03
Volume
36
Issue
2
Pages
78-86
ISSN
  • 1180-4882 (ISSN-L)
  • 1488-2434
OpenAlex
W2124107177
Cited by
494
References
85
Citations by year
2026: 18 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 30 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 35 · 2019: 34 · 2018: 43 · 2017: 41 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 41 · 2014: 32 · 2013: 42 · 2012: 31
FWCI
4.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Deakin Research Online (Deakin University) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Schizophrenia research and treatment
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Biochemistry › Sulfur Compounds in Biology
Keywords
N-acetylcysteine, mental illness, glutathione, glutamatergic pathways, neuroinflammation, addiction, compulsive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mechanism of action
MeSH terms
Acetylcysteine, Mental Disorders, Humans

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