dean-nailbiting-2009.pdf (371.31 kB)
Nail-biting stuff? The effect of N-acetyl cysteine on nail-biting
journal contribution
posted on 2009-07-01, 00:00 authored by Michael BerkMichael Berk, S Jeavons, Olivia DeanOlivia Dean, Seetal DoddSeetal Dodd, K Moss, C Gama, G MalhiN-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a widely available nutraceutical with a variety of actions. As a precursor of cysteine and glutathione, it has antioxidant properties that may impact on mood and contribute to an effect on impulsivity and obsessive behaviour. Via its additional effect on glutamate via the cystine-glutamate exchange system, NAC has been shown to mediate impulsivity in preclinical models of addiction, reduce craving, and cue extinction. Further, by boosting glutathione, NAC acts as a potent antioxidant and has been shown in two positive, large-scale randomized placebo-controlled trials to affect negative symptoms in schizophrenia and depression in bipolar disorder. We describe three cases in which its actions specifically on nail-biting and associated anxiety may offer a potential treatment. The spontaneous findings are reported as part of an ongoing treatment trial examining the utility of NAC in bipolar disorder. Its actions, if robustly replicated, also point to potential treatment targets in glutathione or glutamate pathways in the brain.
History
Journal
CNS spectrumsVolume
14Issue
7Pagination
357 - 360Publisher
MBL CommunicationsLocation
New York, N.Y.ISSN
1092-8529Language
engNotes
Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that permission has been obtained for items included in Deakin Research Online. If you believe that your rights have been infringed by this repository, please contact drosupport@deakin.edu.auPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2009, MBL CommunicationsUsage metrics
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