Laughing gas tested as rapid treatment for suicidal thoughts in depression

This study is testing whether adding nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to standard hospital care can quickly reduce suicidal thoughts in people with severe depression. About 50 adults with major depression and active suicidal thinking will be randomly assigned to receive either nitrous oxide or a placebo gas during up to six one-hour sessions. The goal is to see if the gas is safe and can provide faster relief from suicidal thoughts than standard treatment alone.