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The relationship between nitrous oxide conscious sedation and the hypnotic state
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Low levels of nitrous oxide-oxygen, combined with suggestion, may induce a hypnotic-like state of consciousness. This finding suggests potential clinical applications for nitrous oxide-oxygen therapy when used with careful suggestion techniques.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Psychology
- Consciousness Studies
Background:
- Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness.
- Nitrous oxide is an anesthetic gas with known psychoactive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if low-level nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation can induce a hypnotic-like state.
- To assess the effect of suggestion under nitrous oxide-oxygen versus oxygen alone.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind study involving 20 subjects.
- Administration of either nitrous oxide-oxygen or oxygen.
- Delivery of three specific suggestions: analgesia, compulsive behavior, and amnesia.
Main Results:
- Results indicate that nitrous oxide-oxygen inhalation may enhance suggestibility.
- The combination of nitrous oxide-oxygen and suggestion showed potential for altered consciousness.
Conclusions:
- Nitrous oxide-oxygen, when combined with suggestion, may produce an altered state of consciousness similar to hypnosis.
- This combination could offer increased clinical utility in therapeutic settings.