Treatment of Suicidal Ideation in the Emergency Department Using Nitrous Oxide

Suicide prevention is a major public health concern, with nearly 9,000 suicides and over 200,000 suicide attempts reported each year in France. Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation are among the most frequent reasons for emergency room visits and psychiatric hospitalizations. Although there is no approved pharmacological treatment for suicidal crises, some psychiatric treatments appear promising. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has shown promising results in reducing suicidal ideation. However, its use is limited due to its side effects. Nitrous oxide, another NMDA receptor inhibitor commonly used in anesthesia and pain management, has demonstrated rapid antidepressant effects and few side effects. Given its rapid and lasting effects, nitrous oxide could swiftly alleviate suicidal ideation.