Management of psychosis associated with recreational nitrous oxide use: a case report

Abstract

Nitrous oxide, a volatile inorganic compound, has multiple uses in fields such as medicine, catering and the automotive industry. However, its recreational abuse is a growing public health problem in Europe; its effects include analgesia, depersonalization, dizziness and euphoria, and its recreational use is associated with its low cost and ease of access. The use of nitrous oxide can cause haematological, neurological and psychiatric problems. This article describes the clinical case of a 19-year-old woman admitted to the acute psychiatric unit for psychosis in the context of substance use. In addition to differential diagnosis and pharmacological treatment, psychoeducational strategies and individual and group motivational therapy were applied. A nursing assessment was carried out according to Marjory Gordon’s functional health patterns, and an individualized care plan was developed using the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) taxonomy, the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) and the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). The NANDA diagnoses identified include: “Disturbed personal identity [00121]”, “Risk-prone health behaviour [00188]” and “Insomnia [00095]”. The nursing interventions carried out contributed to the improvement of the patient’s psychopathological state.