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TO : File

DATE: 18 Decenter 1951

FRQM A

sUBJECT: Carbon Dioxide Therapy, Possihle "Artichoke" Use

l. Reference is made to a book entitled CAFEON DlOXIDE THERAPY by L. J. Meduna, M. D., Professor of Psychiatry, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.

•2. Fhis book seis forth the treatment cf certain types of nervcus disorders or psychopathic conditions hy the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) mixed with oxygen. Dr. Meduna has set forth in this book his techniques in the administration of carbon dioxide treatment on-certain types of mental patients and, in general, it may be stated that, he uses, for medical purposes, 30% C02 mixed with 70% oxygen. Dr. Meduna uses this mixture by straight commerciāl purchase of the mixed gas in Chicago which he buys for approximately \$9.75 a tank full. This gas comes in tanks which contain lh00 gallons of gas under about l800 pounds pressure and is delivered to the patients thrcugh two manometers into a standard breathing bag, gas inhaling device.

3. According, to Lr. Meduna, the inhalation of this mixture rapidly induces unconsciousness in a patient. This is held for a matter of a few seconds when the mask is removed and the patient then regains full consciousness through a so called "transiticnal" period. Anparently during this transitional period, Dr.'Meduna questions the patient and also at this time the patients talk 'over or tell about their experiences in the sense of a psychiatric treatment.

4. This book indicates that by the use of a CO2 dosage, many individuals have talked at great lengths of their past, revealed intimate secrets, abreacted, etc., etc. and because of this, Dr. Meduna has apparently achieved some excellent results in treating certain mental conditions.

5. Although CO2 treatments apparently produce intense dreams, hallucinations to a certain extent and a desire and willingness to talk, the writer is douhtful if this CO2 treatment could he applied to "Artichoke" unless it was apolied after the individual had heen rendered unconscicus, since the treatment. involves the use of a gas mask and cumbersome equipment. However, it might be of interest to examine this technique with the view toward filling an air-proof room with a similar gas mixture (30% C02--70% oxygen).

STANDARD FORM NO. 84

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6. The book does not indicate any extensive use of hypnosis or auto-suggestion in connection with the C02 treatments or the use of CO2 as a means of gaining hypnotic control.

7. In connection with the above, it might be possirle to have CO2 experiments conducted along with experiments on low cxygen content or high and low pressures in airtight rooms.

8. It is suggested that the above information te made available to the medical staff (perhaps or to or a future discussicn with.nedical or psychiatric consultants of this Agency.

9. The took, CAPPON DIOXIDE THERAPY, apparently cane from the Army Medical Library at Washington, D. C., and the library number is QV 31l M493C 1950.