PTSD and HBO

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. While traditional treatments of psychotherapy and medication can help PTSD, Hyperbaric Oxygen is now being clinically proven to show great promise in the treatment of PTSD.

There is growing evidence that hyperbaric oxygen induces brain neuroplasticity which leads to repair of chronically impaired brain functions seen in PTSD patients, even years after the initial trauma.

FIG. 4. Cortical views from the front, back, right, left, inferior, and superior aspects show effects of 1 HBOT (top row) and 40 HBOTs (bottom row) at a significance level of p < 0.001. Significant increases are shown in red (HBOT, hyperbaric oxygen therapy).

One study conducted by Dr. Paul Harch analysed 29 active-duty or retired military personnel with PTSD. After completing intense Hyperbaric Oxygen sessions 52% of those who met the PTSD checklist military diagnosis no longer met the diagnostic threshold. Improvements occurred in general anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. Out of the 12 participants that expressed suicidal thoughts at the beginning of the study, 10 no longer felt suicidal.

Hyperbaric Oxygen has been shown to reduce apoptosis, up regulate growth factors, promote anti-oxidant levels, and inhibit inflammatory cytokines. Hence, it is likely that HBO is advantageous in treating PTSD.

You can also view our other blogs on how Hyperbaric Oxygen greatly benefits the brain and other neurological conditions: Hyperbaric Oxygen and Autism, HBO and the Brain, HBO and Neurological Conditions