Studying Nitrous Oxide as a Treatment for Severe Suicidal Thoughts in Adults Aged 18 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the potential rapid antisuicidal effects of nitrous oxide N2O in treating suicidal thoughts across different diagnoses. This Phase 2 study involves adults aged 18 to 65 with moderate to severe suicidal ideation. The trial aims to understand how N2O impacts suicidal ideation and to explore biological mechanisms using hair and blood samples, along with EEG recordings. Participants will receive inhalation treatments on two separate days. On day 1, they will receive either 50% nitrous oxide combined with 50% oxygen or a placebo of 50% oxygen plus 50% air for 45 minutes. This first inhalation is double-blind, meaning neither participants nor raters know the treatment assigned. Seven days later, all participants will receive nitrous oxide during the second inhalation, with only the patients blinded. A nested biomarker substudy will collect hair, blood, and EEG data to study mechanisms and prediction. During the trial, participants will undergo assessments including the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation BSS measured from day 0 to day 2, along with other scales like the Montgomery-sberg Depression Rating Scale and suicide-related visual analog scales. EEG changes linked to inhalation treatments will be recorded on day 1. Researchers will monitor safety and responses closely throughout. Total participation involves inhalation sessions, clinical ratings, and biological sample collections from the start through day 8.

Nitrous Oxide in the Treatment of Acute Suicidal Ideation