A recent study conducted in Australia has demonstrated that nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, can effectively treat severe depression in patients who do not respond to traditional treatments. This research involved 81 adults from Victoria suffering from treatment-resistant depression, a condition particularly prevalent among women who have experienced trauma.
The study revealed impactful results: approximately 20% of participants achieved remission after just four one-hour sessions, while another 20% reported significant reductions in their depressive symptoms. The research team, led by Professors Paul Myles and Jayashri Kulkarni from Monash University, presented their findings at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists in Cairns.
Professor Myles, a prominent figure in anaesthesia and the director of research at The Alfred Hospital, noted the urgency for new treatment options as mental health disorders are increasingly recognized as major contributors to global health issues. Professor Kulkarni, who specializes in women’s mental health, emphasized that not all forms of depression respond to standard treatments. She stated, “It is critical that there is research exploring different treatment avenues, and nitrous oxide presents a promising option.”
Participants in the trial inhaled nitrous oxide while seated comfortably and listening to music, under strict supervision to ensure proper dosing and to prevent misuse. The monitored sessions allowed for a safe environment to assess the drug’s effects. Remarkably, patients reported immediate improvements in their quality of life. One participant shared, “I was driving home, and for the first time I could see colors,” while another expressed a newfound enthusiasm for life.
The findings, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, indicate that nitrous oxide has substantial potential to help individuals with depression regain their footing. Professor Myles highlighted the importance of this study as it not only provides evidence of the drug’s effectiveness but also establishes the necessary dosage and duration required for optimal results. He said, “This was more than a pilot study—it opens the door to something with real potential.”
The research team is now focused on conducting larger trials to further validate these findings and offer hope to patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. With the study showing promising outcomes, there is optimism that nitrous oxide could become a viable treatment option for many individuals struggling with depression.
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