Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is gaining popularity as a treatment for depression. Rather than replacing traditional methods, HBOT supplements them, enhancing the chances of success and effectiveness. Patients may explore HBOT as an additional option if their current treatment regimen fails to alleviate symptoms adequately.

As conversations surrounding mental health gain greater acceptance, numerous individuals are exploring alternative treatments in lieu of conventional psychotherapy. For certain patients, the combination of talk therapy and prescribed medication might not yield substantial progress in improving their mental well-being.

Dealing With Depression

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent years, there was a significant increase in depression rates. Before 2020, depression affected approximately 8.5% of adults in the United States. However, after 2021, this figure surged to over 32% of adults experiencing depression.

Depression manifests in various forms and affects individuals in diverse ways. Whether it’s seasonal affective disorder, causing temporary distress during specific months, or major depressive disorder, each case is distinctive and personal to the individual.

Regardless of case-to-case differences, there are some common characteristics of depression. The major symptoms of depression include:

Unlocking the Power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Overcoming Depression

Recent research exploring the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating depression reveals encouraging and impactful outcomes.  While hyperbaric chambers have been utilized in treating traumatic brain injuries, employing them for depression could markedly influence cognitive functions.

In the face of the debilitating impact of depression, pursuing all available treatments offers the greatest opportunity for comprehensive healing. For numerous individuals, the journey starts with psychotherapy, fostering introspective growth and behavioral adjustments alongside prescribed antidepressant medication. Yet, these approaches alone might not always suffice.

Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work For Depression?

Recent developments in HBOT show promising impacts on depression patients. Thus, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for mental illness may become a more common practice to address various issues, including depression.

What Does The Evidence Say?
Studies demonstrate the effects of HBOT on a range of mental health disorders and brain injuries. The many positive impacts of HBOT supported by research-based evidence include:

These benefits demonstrate the power of HBOT. 

A hyperbaric chamber for depression offers positive neurological benefits that can improve cognitive functions to bolster recovery from depression, and its effects do not appear to taper off after time, as can happen with other treatments.  The evidence demonstrates that this treatment can have powerful effects on many of depression’s symptoms.

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you are situated inside a hyperbaric chamber. Inside this chamber, your body is gradually exposed to rising oxygen levels. Additionally, the chamber elevates air pressure as your body absorbs the heightened oxygen levels.

Using HBOT as Depression Treatment
HBOT, as a depression treatment, integrates an exciting and potentially impactful new element into your treatment plan. While psychotherapy and medication may provide certain benefits, the neurological impacts of HBOT create long-lasting benefits that can significantly improve your depressive disorder.

HBOT has been shown to improve brain metabolism and cognitive function.

In another study of 29 veterans , the patients who underwent HBOT showed improvement in depression, including a reduction in suicidal thoughts), anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.

Effects of HBOT on Depression

Certain impacts of HBOT, like increased mental acuity and improved neurotransmitter functioning, can combat some of the crippling symptoms of depression, like fatigue and brain fog. These benefits may help increase your day-to-day functionality. 

It’s Time to Feel Better

Why struggle in silence when treatment is available to combat your depression? HBOT treatment offers an alternative to traditional treatments. 

The Bottom Line

No one likes struggling with their mental health, but you have more treatment options than you might think.  HBOT has shown promising results for treating symptoms of depression in many patients.

With the holistic benefits of  HBOT treatment, it’s a promising option to augment your current treatment plan for depression.

  • Study Design: Sixty patients with ISCI and coexisting depression and anxiety were divided into three groups: the HBOT group, psychotherapy group, and conventional rehabilitation control group.
  • Treatment Duration: All patients received routine rehabilitation therapy, but the HBOT group and psychotherapy group also received HBOT and psychotherapy, respectively, for a total of 8 weeks (once a day, 6 days per week).

Results:

  • Depression and Anxiety: After 8 weeks of treatment, both the HBOT group and psychotherapy group showed significantly lower depression scores compared to the control group. The effects of HBOT on depression were similar to those of psychotherapy.
  • Nerve Function and Daily Living: HBOT significantly improved nerve function and activities of daily living in ISCI patients, surpassing the benefits of psychotherapy or routine rehabilitation alone.

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