A Pilot Trial of Acute N-Acetylcysteine Effects on Working Memory and Other Cognitive Functions in Schizophrenia



Status:Completed
Conditions:Schizophrenia
Therapuetic Areas:Psychiatry / Psychology
Healthy:No
Age Range:18 - 60
Updated:4/21/2016
Start Date:February 2010
End Date:November 2011

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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of the amino acid supplement
N-Acetylcysteine versus placebo on working memory and other cognitive functions in persons
with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Working memory impairment in Schizophrenia is produced by deficiencies of feedback
inhibition of glutamate release, due to low cysteine-glutamate antiporter activity. Because
of this mechanism, we are interested in whether acute administration of N-Acetylcysteine
will improve performance of patients with schizophrenia on a battery of cognitive tasks
utilized to test working memory and other cognitive domains, versus placebo. This pilot
study will utilize a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, crossover design.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Subjects will be between 18-60

- Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM) criteria for schizophrenia

- Be on a stable dose of antipsychotic medication for at least 1 month

- Be deemed clinically stable for 3 months by the regular clinical staff

Exclusion Criteria:

- Current substance or alcohol abuse

- Pregnancy

- Clozapine treatment

- Known sensitivity to sulphur containing compounds

- Previous diagnosis of mental retardation

- Nitroglycerin use

- Asthma diagnosis, verified and treated by a primary care doctor

- Use of any other medication that may interact with the study medication
We found this trial at
1
site
New Haven, Connecticut 06508
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New Haven, CT
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