Identifying Biological Signatures of N-Acetylcysteine for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents and Young Adults

PSYCH-2018-26890

To measure NAC-induced changes to concentrations of glutathione (GSH) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in 36 adolescents and young adults with NSSI (12 in each group: high, low, and placebo).

2019-08-01

2022-05-08

2022-10-01

Completed

Early phase I

44

Inclusion Criteria: * Current frequency of at least one NSSI episode in the past 2 months * ≥ 5 past episodes of NSSI with significant tissue damage (e.g. scars present) * Psychotropic medications are dose-stable for 1 month * Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Any MRI contraindications (e.g. metal plates, claustrophobia, braces, implanted devices) * Any current serious medical illness as defined by medical history * Current Substance Use Disorder (except Tobacco Use Disorder) * Primary psychotic disorder (e.g. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder) * Neurodevelopmental disorder such as mental retardation or autism * Changes in psychotropic medications in past 1 month * Taken NAC or glutathione on a regular basis in the past 6 months * Currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, currently breastfeeding, or unwillingness to use contraception throughout the study. * Allergy/sensitivity to N-acetylcysteine. * Inability or unwillingness of individual or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.

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2023-08-15