N-acetyl cysteine in the treatment of nail biting in children and adolescents

N-acetyl cysteine in the treatment of nail biting in children and adolescents, Double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Phase 2

Study type

Interventional

Source

IRCT

Registry ID

IRCT201103023930N3

Enrollment

Registered

2011-04-07

Start date

2011-01-21

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2018-02-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

nail biting. Other specified behavioural and emotional disorders with onset usually occurring in childhood and adolescence

Interventions

Intervention 1: N-acetyl cysteine, 40mg/kg/day. Intervention 2: placebo.

Treatment - Drugs

Placebo

N-acetyl cysteine, 40mg/kg/day

placebo

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

4 Years to 18 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Inclusion criteria: age range of 4 to 18; lack of a significant general medical condition such as thyroid dysfunction or seizure; voluntary participation; being able to sallow tablets. Exclusion criteria: asthma, cardiac problems; kidney problems; blood pressure; seizure; positive history for taking N-acetyl cysteine; positive family history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; concurrent individual or group psychotherapy.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria:

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Parent-reported frequency of nail biting per day and per week. Timepoint: 4 weeks intervals. Method of measurement: parent-reported.	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Measuring of the lenght of nail. Timepoint: 4 weeks interval. Method of measurement: millimeter.	—

Countries

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: IRCT (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Mar 10, 2026