Posted by SLS on September 19, 2008, at 6:19:06
In reply to Re: N-acetylcysteine and bipolar depression » SLS, posted by Kath on September 18, 2008, at 21:16:22
> > > Scott only bipolar and what subthreshold? Thanks Phillipa
> >
> > So far, I doubt NAC has been studied well enough to be able to exclude its utility in unipolar depression. I'm not sure, but the word "subthreshold" could be used as a term similar to "subsyndromal"; the residual depression that exists after treatment that may not qualify for the DSM diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
> *********Hi Scott - sorry to be dense. Just too tired to follow much. Basically - do you think it would help just 'regular' depression?
>
> I've certainly found that 5HTP & St. John's Wort helps me. Wondering if I should add this also. Do you know if it affects seratonin, as I guess using the above 2, one has to be careful regarding seratonin.I wouldn't want to venture a guess at how effective NAC would be for pure unipolar depression. However, in moderate amounts, it is advantageous to use NAC as an antioxidant and neuroprotector. There is even some speculation that it may foster the recovery of atrophied tissue and reverse the process of apoptosis. People with mood illness often have a deficit of glutathione, which is a by product of NAC metabolism. With this fact in mind, it is possible that NAC would indeed help treat unipolar depression. So much for not venturing a guess...
All in all, 600-1200mg of NAC taken daily in divided doses is a good thing for just about anyone.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:849853
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080915/msgs/852839.html