Exploring the effects of N-acetylcysteine and mindfulness therapy on mild depression in young people
Official title: Prefrontal glutamatergic modulation by N-acetylcysteine and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for mild depression in youth
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11027441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well a dietary supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and mindfulness-based therapy can help teens aged 12 to 20 with mild depression, especially those at risk for bipolar disorder, by offering safer treatment options without the side effects of regular antidepressants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | April 17, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $731,961 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT013115-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027441 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing mild depression, particularly those with a family history of bipolar disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe depression or those currently undergoing treatment with traditional antidepressants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a dietary supplement, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as alternative treatments for mild depression in adolescents aged 12 to 20. The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of these interventions, particularly for youth at risk for bipolar disorder. Participants will engage in an 8-week program that includes both NAC and MBCT, with evaluations using advanced imaging techniques to understand how these treatments affect brain function and mood regulation. The goal is to provide safer options for treating depression without the adverse effects commonly associated with traditional antidepressants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer safer and effective treatment options for mild depression in youth, reducing reliance on traditional antidepressants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for both N-acetylcysteine and mindfulness-based therapies in improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression, indicating a potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nery, Fabiano G. — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Nery, Fabiano G.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mindfulness-enhanced brain stimulation for depression
This project tests whether combining a breath-focused attention training with targeted brain stimulation helps people with treatment-resistant depression think more clearly and feel better.
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N-acetylcysteine and mindfulness to help mild depression in teens
This project will see whether the supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can reduce mild depression symptoms in teens and young adults (ages 12–20).
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Combining mindfulness techniques with brain stimulation to treat depression
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This study is creating a special version of a mindfulness program to help older Black adults who are dealing with both chronic pain and depression, making sure it fits their cultural experiences and needs.
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Using brain imaging and mindfulness to help treat depression in adolescents
This study is exploring a new way to help teenagers with depression by teaching them mindfulness techniques while they get real-time feedback on their brain activity, so they can learn to manage their thoughts and feelings better.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.