Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) inhalation as an alternative to electroconvulsive therapy.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is widely used for psychiatric conditions but has side effects including memory loss, injury, arrhythmias, and risks from anesthesia. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is proposed as a potential substitute because it shares some effects with ECT: it induces laughter (described as nature's epileptoid catharsis), produces central sympathetic stimulation, releases endogenous opioid peptides that may have antidepressant properties, and can trigger seizure-like activity. The author argues that nitrous oxide is relatively safe, easy to administer, and could be given in a series of treatments similar to ECT, making it a feasible alternative.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used widely in the treatment of psychiatric conditions; however, its use is not without controversy with some recommending a moratorium on its clinical use. Complications and side effects of ECT include memory loss, injury, problems originating from sympathetic stimulation such as arrhythmias and myocardial ischemia and the risk of general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) could potentially substitute for ECT as it shares some similar effects, has potential beneficial properties for these psychiatric patients and is relatively safe and easy to administer. Nitrous oxide induces laughter which has been described as nature's epileptoid catharsis which one might surmise would be beneficial for depression. It also produces a central sympathetic stimulation similar to ECT and causes release of endogenous opioid peptides, which are potential candidates for the development of antidepressant drugs. Nitrous oxide is also associated with seizure like activity itself. Administration of nitrous oxide as a substitute for ECT is eminently feasible and could be given in a series of treatments similar to ECT therapy.