NITROGEN INHALATION THERAPY FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA
Preliminary Report on Technique.
F. A. D. ALEXANDER 1, and
H. E. HIMWICH 1
1 The Departments of Anesthesia, Physiology and Pharmacology, Albany Medical College and Albany Hospital, Albany, New York.
Encouraging results from a year's experience in the treatment of schizophrenia in a small group of patients by nitrogen inhalation therapy have been noted.
The methods and technique employed have been described.
The landmarks of treatment and the signs and symptoms of acute anoxia observed during these treatments have been discussed.
As a result of our experience with this form of therapy we believe that it can offer most promising and safest results if it is conducted by physicians well trained in the use of gas anesthesia apparatus, cognizant of the signs and symptoms of acute oxygen want, and capable of instituting efficient resuscitating measures in the event of untoward reaction.
It appears that the most satisfactory results will obtain if the anoxia produced is severe and the time of the treatment limited to six minutes.
The use of nitrous oxide as a substitute for nitrogen or the employment of depressant drug sedation in conjunction with nitrogen inhalation therapy are contraindicated.
