Xenon Inhalation Therapy for Depression
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The investigators will test the hypothesis that inhaled xenon will produce a rapid improvement in depressive symptoms in patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Specifically, the investigators will conduct a parallel randomized, double-blind crossover study that will compare the effects of xenon-oxygen (35:65 ratio by volume) added to treatment as usual (X-TAU group) to the effects of nitrogen-oxygen (35:65 ratio by volume) added to treatment as usual (N-TAU group). A total of 20 severely depressed patients, 10 with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 10 with Bipolar Depression (BP), will be exposed in random order to N-TAU and X-TAU in a double-blind protocol.
Research Team
Andrew Nierenberg, MD
Principal Investigator
Massachussetts General Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
Adults aged 18-65 with severe depression or bipolar disorder, who haven't responded to standard treatments, can join. They must understand the trial and consent, have stable medication for four weeks, reliable transport, and a psychiatrist's approval. Pregnant women, active substance abusers, smokers, those with certain medical conditions or taking benzodiazepines are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive one session of xenon inhalation and one session of nitrogen-oxygen inhalation in a randomized, double-blind crossover design
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms using HDRS and QIDS-C at predefined intervals
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Nitrogen gas Inhalation Therapy
- Xenon Inhalation Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor