Trial Outcomes & Findings for N-Acetyl Cysteine Plus Behavioral Therapy for Nicotine Dependent Pathological Gamblers (NCT NCT00967005)

NCT ID: NCT00967005

Last Updated: 2023-03-21

Results Overview

Week 0 corresponds to baseline. Minimum score=0 and maximum score=40, with higher score signifying more severe symptoms. Scale is 10 items scored from 0 to 4. Scores on each item are summed to compute total score. Thoughts/urges (questions 1 to 5) and behavior (questions 6 to 10) are added to get the total score.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE2

Target enrollment

28 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Week 0

Results posted on

2023-03-21

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Overall Study
STARTED
13
15
Overall Study
Treatment Completion
10
10
Overall Study
COMPLETED
6
5
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
7
10

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Overall Study
Lost to Follow-up
7
10

Baseline Characteristics

N-Acetyl Cysteine Plus Behavioral Therapy for Nicotine Dependent Pathological Gamblers

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Total
n=28 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
47.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.1 • n=99 Participants
47.7 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.6 • n=107 Participants
47.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.9 • n=206 Participants
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
0 Participants
n=107 Participants
0 Participants
n=206 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
13 Participants
n=99 Participants
15 Participants
n=107 Participants
28 Participants
n=206 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
n=99 Participants
0 Participants
n=107 Participants
0 Participants
n=206 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
2 Participants
n=99 Participants
3 Participants
n=107 Participants
5 Participants
n=206 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
11 Participants
n=99 Participants
12 Participants
n=107 Participants
23 Participants
n=206 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
13 participants
n=99 Participants
15 participants
n=107 Participants
28 participants
n=206 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 0

Week 0 corresponds to baseline. Minimum score=0 and maximum score=40, with higher score signifying more severe symptoms. Scale is 10 items scored from 0 to 4. Scores on each item are summed to compute total score. Thoughts/urges (questions 1 to 5) and behavior (questions 6 to 10) are added to get the total score.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Total Score
23.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.4
20.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.0

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 6

Week 6 corresponds to end of N-acetylcysteine plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy versus placebo plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy. Minimum score=0 and maximum score=40, with higher score signifying more severe symptoms. Scale is 10 items scored from 0 to 4. Scores on each item are summed to compute total score. Thoughts/urges (questions 1 to 5) and behavior (questions 6 to 10) are added to get the total score.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Total Score
17.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 9.1
16.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 7.4

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 12

Week 12 corresponds to end of 6 sessions of N-acetylcysteine plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing versus placebo plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing. Minimum score=0 and maximum score=40, with higher score signifying more severe symptoms. Scale is 10 items scored from 0 to 4. Scores on each item are summed to compute total score. Thoughts/urges (questions 1 to 5) and behavior (questions 6 to 10) are added to get the total score.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Total Score
7.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.6
5.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.9

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 24

Week 24 represents the 3-month follow-up period (ie, corresponds to being off N-acetylcysteine or placebo and done with imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing for 12 weeks). Minimum score=0 and maximum score=40, with higher score signifying more severe symptoms. Scale is 10 items scored from 0 to 4. Scores on each item are summed to compute total score. Thoughts/urges (questions 1 to 5) and behavior (questions 6 to 10) are added to get the total score.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Total Score
1.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.3
6.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 0

Week 0 corresponds to baseline. Questions 1 through 5 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe thoughts/urges.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Urges/Thoughts Subscale
11.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.7
9.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.4

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 6

Week 6 corresponds to end of N-acetylcysteine plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy versus placebo plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy. Questions 1 through 5 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe thoughts/urges.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Urges/Thoughts Subscale
8.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.2
7.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 12

Week 12 corresponds to end of 6 sessions of N-acetylcysteine plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing versus placebo plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing. Questions 1 through 5 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe thoughts/urges.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Urges/Thoughts Subscale
5.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.3
2.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.1

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 24

Week 24 represents the 3-month follow-up period (ie, corresponds to being off N-acetylcysteine or placebo and done with imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing for 12 weeks). Questions 1 through 5 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe thoughts/urges.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Urges/Thoughts Subscale
0.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.2
3.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.6

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 0

Week 0 corresponds to baseline. Questions 6 through 10 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe gambling behaviors.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Behavior Subscale
11.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.7
11.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 6

Week 6 corresponds to end of N-acetylcysteine plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy versus placebo plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy. . Questions 6 through 10 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe gambling behaviors.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Behavior Subscale
8.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.7
8.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.9

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 12

Week 12 corresponds to end of 6 sessions of N-acetylcysteine plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing versus placebo plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing. Questions 6 through 10 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe gambling behaviors.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Behavior Subscale
2.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.1
2.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.5

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 24

Week 24 represents the 3-month follow-up period (ie, corresponds to being off N-acetylcysteine or placebo and done with imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing for 12 weeks). Questions 6 through 10 are summed to compute the thoughts/urges subscale. Minimum=0 and maximum=20, with higher scores signifying more severe gambling behaviors.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling Behavior Subscale
0.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.4
2.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.1

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 0

Week 0 corresponds to baseline. This scale has 6 questions. Questions 1 and 4 are on a scale from 0 to 3 (higher scores being more severe symptoms) and questions 2, 3, 5, and 6 are on a scale from 0 to 1 (1 being more severe symptoms). Scores on all questions are summed to compute total score, with higher total score meaning more severe nicotine dependence. Scores range from 0 to 10.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence Total Score
6.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.0
6.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.1

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 6

Week 6 corresponds to end of N-acetylcysteine plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy versus placebo plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy. This scale has 6 questions. Questions 1 and 4 are on a scale from 0 to 3 (higher scores being more severe symptoms) and questions 2, 3, 5, and 6 are on a scale from 0 to 1 (1 being more severe symptoms). Scores on all questions are summed to compute total score, with higher total score meaning more severe nicotine dependence. Scores range from 0 to 10.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence Total Score
4.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.9
5.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.4

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 12

Week 12 corresponds to end of 6 sessions of N-acetylcysteine plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing versus placebo plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing. This scale has 6 questions. Questions 1 and 4 are on a scale from 0 to 3 (higher scores being more severe symptoms) and questions 2, 3, 5, and 6 are on a scale from 0 to 1 (1 being more severe symptoms). Scores on all questions are summed to compute total score, with higher total score meaning more severe nicotine dependence. Scores range from 0 to 10.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence Total Score
5.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.9
5.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.5

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 24

Week 24 represents the 3-month follow-up period (ie, corresponds to being off N-acetylcysteine or placebo and done with imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing for 12 weeks). This scale has 6 questions. Questions 1 and 4 are on a scale from 0 to 3 (higher scores being more severe symptoms) and questions 2, 3, 5, and 6 are on a scale from 0 to 1 (1 being more severe symptoms). Scores on all questions are summed to compute total score, with higher total score meaning more severe nicotine dependence. Scores range from 0 to 10.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence Total Score
4.6 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.3
5.3 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 0

Week 0 corresponds to baseline. This scale assesses depressed mood, feelings of guilt, difficulty sleeping, somatic symptoms, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores of the 17 items. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 52, with higher scores signifying more severe depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Total Score
9.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.7
7.9 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 6

Week 6 corresponds to end of N-acetylcysteine plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy versus placebo plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy. This scale assesses depressed mood, feelings of guilt, difficulty sleeping, somatic symptoms, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores of the 17 items. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 52, with higher scores signifying more severe depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Total Score
7.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.7
5.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.8

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 12

Week 12 corresponds to end of 6 sessions of N-acetylcysteine plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing versus placebo plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing. This scale assesses depressed mood, feelings of guilt, difficulty sleeping, somatic symptoms, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores of the 17 items. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 52, with higher scores signifying more severe depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Total Score
7.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.9
3.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 24

Week 24 represents the 3-month follow-up period (ie, corresponds to being off N-acetylcysteine or placebo and done with imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing for 12 weeks). This scale assesses depressed mood, feelings of guilt, difficulty sleeping, somatic symptoms, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores of the 17 items. Minimum score is 0 and maximum score is 52, with higher scores signifying more severe depressive symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Total Score
2.8 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.1
3.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 1.7

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 0

Week 0 corresponds to baseline. This scale measures anxiety symptoms, tension, somatic symptoms, difficulty concentrating, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores on the 14 items (each item is scored from 0 to 4). Minimum score= 0 and maximum score= 56, with higher scores signifying more severe anxiety symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Total Score
11.1 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.8
9.7 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.6

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 6

Week 6 corresponds to end of N-acetylcysteine plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy versus placebo plus Ask-Advise-Refer therapy. This scale measures anxiety symptoms, tension, somatic symptoms, difficulty concentrating, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores on the 14 items (each item is scored from 0 to 4). Minimum score= 0 and maximum score= 56, with higher scores signifying more severe anxiety symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Total Score
7.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.3
6.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.0

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 12

Week 12 corresponds to end of 6 sessions of N-acetylcysteine plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing versus placebo plus imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing. This scale measures anxiety symptoms, tension, somatic symptoms, difficulty concentrating, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores on the 14 items (each item is scored from 0 to 4). Minimum score= 0 and maximum score= 56, with higher scores signifying more severe anxiety symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Total Score
7.4 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.2
4.2 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.2

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Week 24

Week 24 represents the 3-month follow-up period (ie, corresponds to being off N-acetylcysteine or placebo and done with imaginal desensitization and motivational interviewing for 12 weeks). This scale measures anxiety symptoms, tension, somatic symptoms, difficulty concentrating, and others. Total score is computed by summing the scores on the 14 items (each item is scored from 0 to 4). Minimum score= 0 and maximum score= 56, with higher scores signifying more severe anxiety symptoms.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
N Acetyl Cysteine
n=13 Participants
The objective of this application is to examine whether, given its mechanism of action, the dietary supplement, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) will reduce both tobacco use and PG symptoms in nicotine dependent pathological gamblers. N Acetyl Cysteine: N-Acetyl Cysteine, 1200mg-3000mg each day for 24-weeks
Sugar Pill
n=15 Participants
Sugar Pill: placebo control
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Total Score
5.0 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.6
6.5 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.2

Adverse Events

N Acetyl Cysteine

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Sugar Pill

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Dr. Marc N. Potenza, M.D., Ph.D.

Yale University

Phone: 203-737-3553

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place