CARBON DIOXIDE THERAPY, POSSIBLE "ARTICHOKE" USE

• Document Type: SPECIALCOLLECTION
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 00184442
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: January 21, 2025
• Document Release Date: January 15, 1983
• Publication Date: December 18, 1951

STANDARD FORM NO. 84
Office Memorandum
TO : File
FRQM
4R, /
UNITED -STATES GOVERNMENT
SUBJECT: Carbon Dioxide Therapy, Possible "Artichoke" Use
�
DATE: 18 December 1951
1. Reference is made to a book entitled CAREON DIOXIDE THERAPY by
L. J. Meduna, M. D., Professor of Fsychiatry, University of Illinois
College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois.
.2. This book sets fbrth the treatment of certain types of nervous
disorders or psychopathic conditions by the use of carbon dioxide (002)
mixed with oxygen. Dr. Meduna has set forth in this hook 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 medi-
cal purposes, 30% CO2 mixed with 70% oxygen. Dr. Meduna uses this mixture
by straight commercial purchase of the mixed gas in Chicago which he buys
for approximately 19.75 a tank full. This gas comes in tanks which con-
tain 1400 gallons of gas under about 1800 pounds pressure and is delivered
to the patients through two manometers into a standard breathing bag, gas
inhaling device.
3. According to Dr. Meduna, the inhalation of this mixture rapidly
induces unconsciousness in a patient. This is held for a matter of a�
Cow seconds when the mask is removed and the patient then regains full
consciousness through a so called "transitional" period. Apparently
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 in-
dividuals have talked at great lengths of their past, revealed intimate
secrets, abreacted, etc., etc. and because of this, Dr. Meduna has ap-
parently achieved some excellent results in treating certain mental
conditions.
5. Although CO2 treatments apparently produce intense dreams, hal-
lucinations to a certain extent and a desire and willingness to talk, the
Writer is doubtful if this CO2 treatment could he applied to "Artichoke"
unless it was applied after the individual had been rendered unconscious,
since the treatment involves the use of a gas mask and cumbersome equip-
ment. 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% CO2-70% oxygen).
6. The book does not indicate any extensive use of hypnosis or
auto-suggestion in connection with the CO2 treatments or the use of
CO2 as a means of gaining hypnotic control.
7. In connection with the above, it might be possible to have CO2
experiments conducted along with experiments on low oxygen content or
high and low pressures in airtight rooms.
8. It is suggested that e a information be made available
to the medical staff (perhaps or to 011110011111101.Wor
a future discussion with:oedical or psychiatric consultants of this
Agency.
9. The book, CARPON DIOXIDE THERAPY, apparently came from the Army
Medical Library at Washington, D. C., and the library number is QV 314
Mh93C 1950.
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