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Paid study on the effects of nitrous oxide on emotional memories

20 April 2018

UCL Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit is recruiting participants to take part in a study looking at the effects of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) on the storage of emotional memories.

Using a laptop for study Participants will be required to attend three sessions at UCL, and will receive a £30 reward.

Who can take part?

The researchers are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

  • Healthy adults aged 18-50
  • Have normal or corrected to normal colour vision
  • Willing to watch a "stressful film"
  • Willing to take nitrous oxide or a matched placebo as part of the study

Please note that there are other inclusion criteria for this study. Participants will need to complete a telephone screening to check eligibility.

What will it involve?

The research will take place on UCL campus at 1-19 Torrington Place. Participants will be required to attend on three occasions and will receive £30 for their time.

The study involves watching a 'stressful film' and the completion of some questionnaires. On one of the testing occasions, participants will also breathe either nitrous oxide gas or normal air. Between visits you will need to fill in an online diary related to the study, so you must have reliable daily access to the internet via computer or smart device.

You should be aware that the film contains graphic scenes including sexual and interpersonal violence which some people might find distressing. Therefore, you should not take part if you normally find these kinds of scenes particularly distressing. You should also not participate if you feel faint at the sight of blood or injuries. 

How do I sign up?

To request an information sheet and volunteer to take part in this study, please email CPUResearchStudy2018@gmail.com using the subject 'N2O'. Please provide a contact telephone number within your email as you will be contacted to check your eligibility.

This study has been approved by the UCL Ethical Committee (project ID: 3901/001).

Ailin Jin, UCL Psychopharmacology Unit