Prospects for using N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) primarily has its clinical manifestations due to dysfunction in the glutamatergic system and modulation of inflammatory cytokines. Dysregulation of the glutamatergic system, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter system in the human brain, is directly related to the pathophysiology of OCD. Indeed, this system is critical for neuroplasticity, learning and memory, and recent studies have identified glutamatergic abnormalities in people with OCD. The worldwide prevalence of OCD is estimated at 2-3%, and this figure may be underestimated due to frequent misdiagnosis. Current first-line treatments include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, a significant proportion of patients remain refractory to these treatments, necessitating the search for alternative therapeutic strategies. This article examines the potential use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an alternative treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder.