Researchers from Australia say that treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can help reduce depressive symptoms in those with bipolar disorder. NAC is a precursor of glutathione, and glutathione depletion is known to exist in both depression and bipolar disorder. Their 6-month study on 75 subjects with bipolar disorder saw a significant decrease in the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) five months after starting supplementation with NAC. Improvements in the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale and Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale were found 2 months after beginning NAC supplementation. They say NAC may be an effective adjunctive treatment in patients with bipolar disorder.
Source: Biol Psychiatry, 2008 June 4; [Epub ahead of print]
