Efficacy of Nitrous Oxide in OCD: Pilot Study
Stanford University
Summary
This study investigates whether the commonly used and well-tolerated inhaled anesthetic nitrous oxide can rapidly improve symptoms of OCD.
Description
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and disabling disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts and associated compulsive behaviors that is estimated to affect more than 3 million individuals in the US each year. This study seeks to explore whether a single inhalation of nitrous oxide gas may bring about rapid symptom relief in OCD.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-65 * Primary diagnosis of OCD * Sufficient severity of OCD symptoms * Ability to tolerate a treatment-free period * Capacity to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric or medical conditions that make participation unsafe * Pregnant or nursing females * Concurrent use of any medications that might increase the risk of participation (e.g. drug interactions)
Interventions
- DrugNitrous Oxide
OCD participants in this arm will receive 50%oxygen/50% nitrous oxide admixture for 60 minutes.
- DrugNitrogen
OCD participants in this arm will receive 50%oxygen/50% nitrogen admixture for 60 minutes.
Location
- Stanford UniversityStanford, California