Please note: This trial has finished recruiting and is not accepting new participants.

Research Center: The University of Melbourne, Department of Psychiatry 
Location: Austin Health, Heidelberg Repat Hospital, Ivanhoe, VIC, 3079 and The Melbourne Clinic Professorial Unit, Richmond, VIC, 3121
Lead Doctor: Professor Richard Kanaan and  Professor Chee Ng
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by Austin Health Human Research Ethics Committee and the Melbourne Clinic Research Ethics Committee 

Background

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a crippling mental health condition. It can take over different aspects of a person’s life, like their relationships, work, psychological and physical wellbeing. PTSD continues to be difficult to effectively treat, as most who take the standard treatments still experience symptoms afterwards.

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is commonly sold as a nutritional supplement and possesses antioxidant properties. Researchers noticed that NAC may have the potential to treat PTSD and the complications that come with it. This study seeks to further validate the effectiveness of NAC as a potential treatment for PTSD in those who have already tried the standard PTSD treatments. 

This study seeks adults 18 years old or older who are diagnosed with PTSD. They must have had or are currently partaking in treatment/s for their PTSD. Participants must attend 5 study visits at either the research site in Heidelberg or Richmond over approximately 4 months. Alternatively, participants may have the option to complete these appointments over the phone or via video calls.

Why Participate? 

• You may experience potential improvements to your PTSD symptoms.
• You may help others with PTSD in the future.
• You will be reimbursed up to $40 to cover study-related travel expenses.
• You will be helping advance mental health research.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Adults 18 years old or older who are diagnosed with PTSD.
• Must have had or are currently partaking in treatment/s for PTSD.
• Able to attend 5 study visits at either the research site in Heidelberg or Richmond or opt to engage in video and/or phone calls instead of in-person study visits over approximately 4 months. 
• Able to comply with the following study requirements:
  • Take study capsules 3 times a day for 12 weeks
  • Participants will be randomly allocated to take NAC or placebo in a double-blind manner, which means neither the participants or the researchers will know what the participants are taking. This is called a ‘randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled’ trial and is considered one of the best ways to assess if a treatment is effective or not.  
  • The study capsules will be provided alongside any other treatments you already take (as an ‘add-on’ or adjuvant therapy). Participants will not be required to alter any of their usual treatment, 
  • Complete a brief questionnaire each week at home
  • Attend an appointment once/month over the 4-month study period
  • Return for a final visit one year after the study is over (optional)

Please note:

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the study team is currently shifting to remote assessments to ensure the safety of participants as well as the study staff. Study appointments may be completed using remote means like video and/or phone calls.