Nitrous Oxide and Cortico-Limbic Function in Aggression
Ohio State University
Summary
The goal of this experimental medicine clinical trial is to test the hypothesis that nitrous oxide inhalation will result in a change in neurocircuit function in healthy controls and in individuals with impulsive aggressive tendencies. The main question aims to answer are: Does Nitrous Oxide normalize brain circuit function in impulsively aggressive individuals 24 hours after inhalation. Participants will undergo a 60 minute inhalation session with 50% Nitrous Oxide (or room air at another session) and then undergo an fMRI scan 24 hours later. Researchers will compare healthy controls and impulsively aggressive individuals to see if Nitrous Oxide can normalize the function of cortico-limbic circuits in the latter group.
Description
This study is designed to see if inhalation of 50% nitrous oxide (N2O) also known as laughing gas, can normalize cortico-limbic circuit functioning in impulsively aggressive human subjects. If the study results are positive, it would allow further studies of this potential treatment modality for those with recurrent, problematic, impulsive aggressive behavior (Intermittent Explosive Disorder: IED). IED is a disorder in which there are frequent and sudden outbursts of anger (yelling, throwing and breaking things, hitting people) that lead to problems with other people socially or at work. It af…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 21–55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: All participants: * Between 21 and 55 years of age. * Physically healthy (no clinically significant medical condition as confirmed by medical history/physical exam). * Able to give informed consent. Aggressive (IED) Study Participants (n = 25 Completed; 75 Enrolled). * Current DSM-5 Criteria for IED * LHA Aggression scores \> 12 * Negative for a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, developmental disorder, intellectual disability or a current substance use disorder. Healthy, Non-Aggressive, Controls (n = 25 Completed, 75 Enrolled). * Do not meet current/lifetime DSM…
Interventions
- DrugNitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide gas.
- DrugRoom Air
Room Air
Location
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbus, Ohio