An over-the-counter supplement seems to help...

People who are diagnosed with either bipolar disorder or depression both share a deficiency in glutathione - a substance which helps prevent toxins from damaging cells.  A new study to be published in the Sept 15th 2008 issue of Biological Psychiatry has evaluated the effectiveness of boosting the glutathione found int he brain by taking a commonly available, over-the-counter supplement called N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC).

A study trial was conducted with a group of individuals who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder by Dr. Michael Berk of The Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Australia.  During the 24 week controlled study Berk and his colleagues found that the participants who received NAC in addition to their standard treatment reported a marked and significant improvement in their depression symptoms.

Other scientists and researchers have commented that the preliminary findings indicate show great promise for treating depression with NAC, and should be studied further. 

NAC has been associated as being helpful with a range of health problems ranging from cystic fibrosis and heart disease to cocaine addiction.

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