Nitrous Oxide Inhalant Use Disorder Preceding Symptoms Concerning for Primary Psychotic Illness.
Am J Addict
; 29(6): 525-527, 2020 11.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32333625
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
Nitrous oxide has long been used recreationally for its ability to induce euphoria and other deliriant effects. In modern times, it remains a popular, legal, and widely available option for those seeking altered states. Though substance-induced psychotic symptoms have been mentioned in the literature, the potential long-term negative neuropsychiatric effects related to its use have not been well established. METHODS ANDRESULTS:
This is a patient case report of a young man (N = 1) who initially presented with acute neurological symptoms requiring hospitalization due to heavy nitrous oxide inhalant use, and went on to present with symptoms concerning for a primary psychotic illness over multiple inpatient admissions. He provided both verbal and written consent to share his story for this case report. DISCUSSION ANDCONCLUSIONS:
It is important to consider nitrous oxide use as a possible contributing factor to the development of primary psychotic illness. SCIENTIFICSIGNIFICANCE:
Current literature suggests that psychosis associated with nitrous oxide use is transient and resolves upon cessation and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency. Here, we present a patient with risk factors for psychotic illness developing psychotic illness following extensive nitrous oxide use. This report offers a unique perspective of longitudinal follow-up (often not provided with reports on this topic), and illustrates the importance of healthcare providers inquiring about nitrous oxide abuse in patients presenting with early psychotic symptoms. (Am J Addict 2020;29525-527).
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Psychoses, Substance-Induced
/
Illicit Drugs
/
Substance-Related Disorders
/
Nitrous Oxide
Type of study:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Year:
2020
Type:
Article