An Episode of Psychosis After Nitrous Oxide Abuse During a Pandemic: A Case Report.
Cureus May 1, 2024 Shaeraine Raaj, Mian Saad Ahmed, Emma Warren et al.
A 22-year-old with no prior psychiatric history who abused 75-100 canisters of nitrous oxide (N2O) per day during the COVID-19 lockdown developed delusions, auditory hallucinations, and disorganized cognition. Laboratory and imaging results found no organic cause. Treatment with antipsychotic medications and a multidisciplinary team approach gradually improved symptoms. Chronic N2O abuse puts users at higher risk of psychosis, personality changes, affective lability, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, and myeloneuropathy. The case highlights the need for epidemiological studies to prevent N2O-induced psychosis.