Treatment of Suicidal Ideation in the Emergency Department Using Nitrous Oxide

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, TOURS · May 23, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the use of nitrous oxide, a gas commonly known for its use in anesthesia and pain relief, to help people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts when they visit the emergency department. The goal is to see if nitrous oxide can quickly reduce these thoughts and provide relief to patients in crisis. This is important because, in France, many people go to the emergency room due to suicidal thoughts, and there are currently no approved medications to treat this urgent situation effectively.

To participate in the trial, individuals must be between the ages of 16 and 65 and be experiencing active suicidal thoughts, as measured by a specific scale. They also need to speak French and be able to wear a facial mask during treatment. People with certain conditions, such as serious mental illnesses or those who are pregnant, will not be eligible. Participants will receive nitrous oxide in a controlled setting, and they will be closely monitored for their safety and well-being. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it offers a potential new approach to a serious issue that affects many lives.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Active suicidal ideations
• • Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation score greater than or equal to 8
• • French speaking
• • Patient admitted to psychiatric emergency department
• • Capable of wearing a facial mask
• • Having signed an informed consent
• • Affiliated with social security
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Psychotic disorder, neurodegenerative disease, known substance use disorder (excluding caffeine or tobacco), substance intoxication, unstable somatic pathology
• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• • Contraindication to the use of nitrous oxide
• • Legal incapacity
• • Participation in another drug clinical trial
• • Patient subject to compulsory care measures