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The promise of N-Acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Massimo Carollo,
  • Nicola Carollo,
  • Giulia Montan
Massimo Carollo
Universita degli Studi di Verona Dipartimento di Diagnostica e Sanita Pubblica

Corresponding Author:massimo.carollo@univr.it

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Nicola Carollo
Universita degli Studi di Verona Dipartimento di Medicina
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Giulia Montan
Universita degli Studi di Padova Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino
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Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a challenging psychiatric condition with limited treatment responses to standard therapies like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This letter to the Editor is intended to raise awareness within the scientific community about the potential use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an alternative treatment, targeting the glutamatergic system dysfunctions and the inflammatory cytokines implicated in OCD. Preliminary studies suggest that NAC, at doses of 2,000-3,000 mg daily, can significantly alleviate OCD symptoms. Despite its promise and favourable safety profile, further research is imperative to establish optimal dosages and long-term efficacy. To date, the lack of suitable pharmaceutical forms with appropriate dosages hinders its empirical clinical application. In conclusion, NAC offers a potential adjunctive treatment for OCD, meriting more rigorous investigation.
08 Nov 2023Submitted to Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology
08 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
08 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
08 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
18 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
Feb 2024Published in CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics volume 30 issue 2. 10.1111/cns.14653