N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for Improving Cognitive Dysfunction in Schizophrenia

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2014-05-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

This study will evaluate the effect of the dietary supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on electrophysiologic (EEG) markers related to cognition, as well as performance on psychological tests measuring cognition. The primary hypothesis is that participants treated with NAC will show improvements in cognitive function, as measured by EEG and performance-based tests.

• Phase: Phase 1
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
• Collaborators: American Psychiatric Foundation; VISN 22 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center
• Treatments: Acetylcysteine; N-monoacetylcystine

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meets DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia.

2. At least 3 months since any psychiatric hospitalization

3. At least 1 month since meeting criteria for having a major depressive episode

4. At least 6 months since any behaviors suggesting any potential danger to self or others

5. Currently prescribed an antipsychotic medication, with dose not varying >50% over 3 months prior to study participation

6. No acute medical problems that could interfere with study participation

7. Chronic medical problems consistently treated and stable for at least 3 months prior to participation

8. Ability to provide informed consent and cooperate with study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Documented history of IQ less than 70 or severe learning disability

2. History of treatment with electroconvulsive therapy within 6 months prior to study participation

3. History of neurological or neuropsychiatric condition (e.g., stroke, severe traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, etc.) that could confound assessments

4. Documented history of persistent substance abuse or dependence within 3 months prior to study participation