Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder with medical nitrous oxide combined with exposure to a personal traumatic script: a multicenter randomized controlled trial (POTESTA)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can cause distressing flashbacks, severe anxiety, and low mood following a traumatic event. This trial, called POTESTA, is testing a potential new treatment to help people process these painful memories. Participants will breathe in either a medical gas mixture containing nitrous oxide and oxygen or plain medical air. At the same time, they will work through a written account of their traumatic experience with a clinician. Neither the patient nor the doctor will choose which gas is given, ensuring the test is fair. Researchers want to see if the gas helps the brain release trauma more effectively. Over nine months, doctors will check participants' PTSD symptoms, depression, and day-to-day well-being to see if the treatment makes a real difference.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops when someone experiences or sees a terrifying, life-threatening event. People living with PTSD often struggle with unwanted memories, nightmares, and feeling on edge. While therapies and medicines can help, they do not work for everyone. Researchers are actively looking for new ways to make trauma therapy gentler and more effective.
This trial looks at medical nitrous oxide, a gas commonly used in hospitals to provide quick pain relief and relaxation. Scientists believe that inhaling this gas during therapy might help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, making them feel far less painful and overwhelming over time.
During the study, patients will revisit their traumatic memory while breathing either the medical gas or normal air through a mask. By comparing the results between both groups, researchers hope to discover whether the gas offers genuine, lasting relief for PTSD symptoms and everyday functioning.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether inhaling medical nitrous oxide helps people process traumatic memories.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over who have diagnosed PTSD.
- Compares the active gas mixture against ordinary medical air.
- Involves treatment sessions and health follow-ups over a nine-month period.
- You can leave the study at any time without your standard medical care being affected.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is open to adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Men and women are equally welcome to apply.
Because the study involves recalling difficult personal experiences, the medical team will make sure each participant is emotionally ready and supported. People with certain lung, heart, or neurological conditions may not be able to take part safely, as these can affect how the body handles the gas.
A doctor from the research team will review your full medical history with you to decide whether taking part is safe and suitable for your specific circumstances.
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.
- I am aged 18 or over.
- I have a formal diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- I feel able to discuss my traumatic memory with a trained clinician.
- I am able to attend appointments over a nine-month period.
- I am comfortable breathing through a mask during sessions.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in the study lasts for about nine months in total. First, you will attend an appointment to check your health and write a short script describing your traumatic event. Next, you will take part in treatment sessions where you read or listen to your script while breathing either the trial gas or plain air through a soft mask. After treatment ends, you will have regular follow-up visits or calls at one, three, six, and nine months. During these visits, you will fill out questionnaires about your PTSD symptoms, mood, anxiety levels, and how you are managing daily life.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What is medical nitrous oxide?
It is a gentle mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, widely used in UK hospitals and during childbirth to ease pain and calm anxiety.
Will I definitely receive the active gas?
No. A computer will randomly decide whether you receive the active gas or plain air, so that researchers can make a fair comparison.
How quickly do the effects of the gas wear off?
The physical effects, such as light-headedness, usually disappear within a few minutes after you stop breathing the gas.
Is it safe to talk about my trauma?
Talking about trauma can be difficult, but you will be guided by experienced mental health professionals who are there to support you throughout.
Does it cost anything to take part?
No, taking part in clinical trials in the UK is completely free, and travel expenses are often covered.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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