Laughing gas shows promise for depression in tiny brain scan study
NCT ID NCT05528718
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether laughing gas (nitrous oxide) can improve mood in people with major depressive disorder. Eleven participants received either laughing gas or a sedative (midazolam), and researchers used brain scans to look for changes in brain activity. The goal was to see if laughing gas might help ease depression symptoms and understand how it affects the brain.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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St. Michael's Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1M8, Canada
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