Nitrous Oxide and EMOtional Cognition
This research is looking into how nitrous oxide, also known as 'laughing gas,' might affect the brain and emotions in healthy adults aged 18-40. Specifically, they want to see if it changes the way people remember sad or negative personal experiences. The study aims to understand why nitrous oxide may have an antidepressant effect, focusing on how it influences emotional processing and memory. Participants will have three visits, including one where they inhale either nitrous oxide or medical air for 30 minutes. They will then complete various tasks and questionnaires to assess their emotions, memory, and thinking skills. This comparison will help scientists understand the differences in how their brains respond to the two gases.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study aims to discover how nitrous oxide, sometimes called 'laughing gas,' affects the brain when it comes to feelings and memories. We know that nitrous oxide has shown some potential in helping people with depression, but we don't fully understand *how* it works. This research project is designed to shed light on those mechanisms.
Researchers are particularly interested in seeing if nitrous oxide changes how healthy volunteers aged 18 to 40 recall negative personal memories. They want to find out if it can reduce the emotional intensity of these memories. Beyond that, the study will also look at how nitrous oxide impacts other areas like how individuals process emotions, their emotional memory, how they stop an automatic response, and their ability to switch between different thoughts or tasks.
To do this, participants will either breathe in a mixture of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen (called ENTONOX) or just regular medical air. By comparing the effects of these two gases, the research team hopes to learn more about the specific ways nitrous oxide influences our emotional and thinking processes, which could be important for developing new ways to help those struggling with depression.
Key takeaways
- Investigates how 'laughing gas' (nitrous oxide) affects memories and emotions.
- Aims to understand its potential benefits for depression.
- Compares nitrous oxide to regular medical air.
- Involves three visits, including a 30-minute gas inhalation.
- Participants will complete memory, emotion, and thinking tasks.
- For healthy adults aged 18-40; strict health criteria apply.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 40 years old, with good eyesight and hearing, and able to understand and speak English well enough for the study tasks. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18 and 35. You'll also need to agree not to drink alcohol starting three days before your first visit until the end of your last visit, and not to use recreational drugs for at least three months before the study and throughout its duration.
You cannot take part if you have ever had or are currently seeking treatment for any mental health condition, including ADHD that requires medication. You also can't participate if you regularly drink 14 or more units of alcohol per week, have had certain types of surgery or head injuries recently (especially to the eyes, ears, throat, or if it caused concussion), or have a history of a collapsed lung or certain heart problems.
Additionally, you'll be excluded if you have current face or mouth injuries (like ulcers or dental issues), have had recent dental surgery or deep-sea diving, or if a drug test shows any disallowed substances in your system.
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 18 and 40 years old?
- Do you have good eyesight and hearing?
- Are you able to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs during the study period?
- Have you *never* been treated for a mental health condition?
- Do you drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week?
- Have you not had certain surgeries or a major head injury recently?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will have three visits in total. The first visit is for screening, where the research team will check if the study is right for you. If you are eligible, you will then come for a second visit where you will breathe in either ENTONOX (the nitrous oxide mixture) or medical air for about 30 minutes. During this visit, and potentially others, you will complete a series of tasks designed to test your memory, emotions, and thinking skills, as well as fill out some questionnaires about your experiences. There will also be a follow-up visit. The overall duration of your involvement in the study will be discussed with you.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Psychiatry DepartmentVerified postcodeOxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is 'nitrous oxide'?
Nitrous oxide, often called 'laughing gas,' is a gas sometimes used in medical settings, for example, by dentists, to help with pain or anxiety. This study uses a specific mixture called ENTONOX.
Will I feel 'high'?
You might feel some temporary lightheadedness or a change in your perceptions, but the focus is on how it affects your memory and emotions, not creating a 'high' feeling.
What is 'medical air'?
Medical air is just like the air we breathe every day, but it's purified for medical use. It's used as a comparison to see the specific effects of the nitrous oxide.
How long will each visit take?
The information doesn't specify exact times for each visit, but you will have a 30-minute inhalation session. The research team will provide more details during the screening process.
Is this study safe?
The study involves gases commonly used in medical practice. The researchers have strict safety measures in place, and your health will be carefully monitored. You'll be fully informed about any potential risks before you decide to participate.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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