The promise of N-Acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder
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.