Antidepressant Effects of Nitrous Oxide

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · Apr 26, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, on people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not found relief from other treatments. The goal is to see if nitrous oxide can provide quick and lasting improvements in mood for these individuals. Researchers will also explore the best dosage and treatment schedule to help guide future studies and treatment options.

If you're an adult aged 18 or older and have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder without psychosis, you might be eligible to participate. However, certain conditions like a history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or serious substance use issues would exclude you from joining. Participants in this study can expect to receive nitrous oxide in a controlled setting and will be monitored for its effects on their depression. This trial is currently recruiting, and it aims to contribute valuable information about new treatment options for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adult (≥18 years, both sexes)
• • 2. DSM-5 criteria for MDD without psychosis, as determined using a structured clinical interview \[Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview\], MDD, defined by a pre-treatment score \>16 on the HDRS-21 scale and meeting DSM-5 for MDD
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. A current or past history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.
• • 2. Current obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, or documented Axis II diagnoses
• • 3. Active suicidal intention, as determined by clinical interview assessment tool (Sheehan-STS) and clinical examination
• • 4. Active or recent (\<12 months) substance use disorder; excluding nicotine
• • 5. Administration of NMDA-antagonists (e.g., ketamine) in previous 3 months
• • 6. Ongoing treatment with ECT
• • 7. Presence of acute medical illness that could interfere with study participation, including significant pulmonary disease
• • 8. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• • 9. Any contraindications to the use of nitrous oxide (e.g., pneumothorax, middle ear occlusion, elevated intracranial pressure, chronic cobalamin or folate deficiency unless treated with folic acid or vitamin B12).