Laughing gas may reveal brain clues for depression

NCT ID NCT04199143

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital, Tours Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at how nitrous oxide (laughing gas) changes brain activity in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers used ultrasound and MRI to measure brain blood flow and connectivity before, during, and after a one-hour dose of the gas. The goal is to find brain markers that could predict who will respond to this potential treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) mixed with oxygen
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help identify which patients with treatment-resistant depression might benefit from nitrous oxide therapy, leading to more personalized treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply broadly. It focuses on brain imaging changes, not on proving antidepressant effectiveness.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

NITROUS OXYDE TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University Hospital of Tours

Tours, 37044, France

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