Psychosocial Support for Nitrous Oxide Misuse
This study is for young people experiencing nerve damage from using laughing gas (nitrous oxide), which is common but can be very harmful. While vitamin B12 injections help treat nerve damage, continued laughing gas use can make treatment less effective. Some people use laughing gas to cope with stress or find it hard to stop due to cravings. This study tests a new support program designed to help manage these emotional and social difficulties. The program provides strategies and information over weekly sessions. Participants will share their experiences through questionnaires and interviews to help us understand if the program is helpful and how it can be improved before being offered more widely.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide or N₂O, has become quite common among young people in the UK. Many might think it's harmless, but frequent use can actually cause serious damage to your nerves and spinal cord. While vitamin B12 injections can help fix some of this nerve damage, if someone keeps using laughing gas, the treatment might not work as well as it should.
We know that people might use laughing gas for different reasons, like coping with stress or difficult feelings, or they might just find it really hard to stop. These emotional and social challenges can make it harder to get better and can impact overall well-being and quality of life. Our team has developed a new, short support program specifically for people who are dealing with mild to moderate emotional or social difficulties linked to their laughing gas use.
This program aims to give you information and practical tools to help you manage your feelings, cope with challenges, and stop problems from getting worse. It involves up to four weekly sessions with a trained person, which you can attend in person or online. We're testing this program with a small group of patients at the Royal London Hospital who are already getting care for nerve problems caused by laughing gas, to see how well it works and how we can make it even better.
Key takeaways
- New support program for people with laughing gas-related problems.
- Aims to help with emotional and social challenges, improving well-being.
- Involves up to four weekly sessions with a trained facilitator.
- Participation includes questionnaires and possibly an interview.
- Adds to your existing medical care; does not replace it.
- Your involvement is voluntary and you can withdraw anytime.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people aged between 16 and 65 years old who have been diagnosed with nerve problems because of laughing gas use. You should be able to speak English and understand and agree to take part in the study.
It's important that you are experiencing some mild to moderate emotional or psychological difficulties. However, if your emotional distress is very severe, or if you are already getting another similar type of structured support, this study might not be suitable for you.
We also need to make sure your nerve problems are definitely caused by laughing gas and not something else. If you have any other medical conditions causing similar symptoms, you might not be able to join this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 16 and 65 years old?
- Have you been diagnosed with nerve problems due to laughing gas?
- Are you experiencing mild to moderate emotional difficulties?
- Can you speak and understand English?
- Are you not currently in another structured support program?
- Is your nerve problem definitely from laughing gas, not another cause?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll receive the new support program in addition to the care you're already getting. The program involves up to four weekly sessions, lasting approximately one hour each, which can be done in person or online. Before and after these sessions, you'll be asked to fill out some questionnaires about your mental health, how your life is going, and your laughing gas use. This will help us understand if the program is making a difference.
After completing the program and questionnaires, you might be invited to have an interview. This is your chance to tell us about your experience and suggest ways to improve the program. In total, your participation in the study, including all sessions, questionnaires, and potential interview, will take up to 8 hours spread over about 9 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Queen Mary University of LondonVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is laughing gas (N₂O)?
Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a gas sometimes used recreationally. While it might seem harmless, frequent use can damage your nerves and spinal cord.
What kind of support will I get?
You'll receive a new support program providing information and strategies to help you cope with emotions and social challenges linked to laughing gas use. It involves up to four weekly sessions.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your involvement will last for about 9 weeks in total. This includes weekly sessions and filling out questionnaires, which add up to roughly 8 hours of your time.
Will my usual medical care change?
No, you will continue to receive all your regular medical care for nerve damage. This support program is offered in addition to your current treatment.
Can I stop participating if I want to?
Yes, absolutely. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can decide to stop at any time without it affecting your medical care or relationship with the hospital.
How to find out more
Laura Smith, PhD, PGCHE, MSc, BSc
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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