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 |
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.
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.
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
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