What Is This Study About?
This is a clinical study to investigate how a dietary supplement called N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and a type of therapy (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) improve depression the brain chemistry and function.
You may be eligible to join the study if you are between 15 and 24 years old and have been feeling down, depressed, or hopeless and/or had little interest or pleasure in doing things over the past two weeks.
If you join the study, you will take daily capsules of NAC or placebo, attend weekly therapy sessions for 8 weeks, and have two MRI brain scans to track changes in mood and brain chemistry and function.
This clinical trial is led by psychiatrists and researchers at the University of Cincinnati, in collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The study is funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
All study activities—including supplements, therapy sessions, and brain scans—are completely free. Participants are paid for their time and can earn up to $325 for completing all study visits.
Who Can Participate?
Aged 15-24
You’ve been feeling down or depressed for the past 2 weeks
You are not currently taking antidepressants
You can attend weekly visits for 8 weeks
You are willing and able to do brain scans and complete a few surveys
How It Works
Screening Visit
Consent, clinical interviews, physical exam, blood draw
Baseline Visit
First brain scan, surveys, blood draw, first therapy session, start supplement
Weeks 1-7
Weekly therapy sessions, check-ins, pill monitoring
Week 8
Second brain scan, surveys, physical exam, blood draw, stop supplement
Week 12
Final follow-up visit check-in, goodbye
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will I have to take medication?
No. The study uses an over-the-counter supplement, not a prescription drug.
Can I stay in my current therapy during the study?
Yes, you can continue your current therapy while participating in the study. However, you should maintain your usual therapy schedule throughout your participation.
What are the mindfulness sessions like?
Each session is 45 minutes, one-on-one with a licensed therapist, once a week.
Is it confidential?
Yes, Your information is protected by strict privacy laws. What you share stays private.
About the Principal Investigator
Fabiano G. Nery, MD, PhD
Fabiano G. Nery, MD, PhD is the lead investigator in this study. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati, where he leads and contributes to pioneering studies on mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and early-onset psychosis. With a strong foundation in neuroimaging and clinical trials, his work is focused on improving outcomes for youth and adults at high risk for mood and psychotic disorders.