Posttraumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a condition that can arise following the experience of a traumatic event, such as being in combat. PTSD can hinder individuals from functioning effectively, impacting their social interactions, work, and behavior.
A significant number of veterans have PTSD. Although there are therapies available that provide assistance, not everyone sees improvement. Many veterans continue to experience PTSD even after receiving treatment.
Scientists are exploring new ways to help people with PTSD, and a new study is offering a promising treatment called hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).
The study, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Veterans With Combat-Associated Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial,” published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry on November 10, highlights that HBOT involves breathing in pure oxygen in a treatment room, which can help the body repair itself.
The study notes that HBOT can improve how the brain works and even help people feel better long after they have experienced trauma.
The study sample included “male veterans aged 25–60 years with CA-PTSD, with a Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) score above 20.”
During February 2020 and July 2023, two groups of CA-PTSD veterans completed the study protocol, with half receiving HBOT and half receiving a fake treatment (called a sham protocol).
The results were promising, showing that “Dedicated HBOT protocol can improve PTSD symptoms of veterans with CA-PTSD.”
This encouraging advancement shows that HBOT is an innovative approach to addressing PTSD by concentrating on the brain’s alterations following trauma.
“HBOT presents a novel therapeutic approach for PTSD, targeting the biological consequences of traumatic events,” concluded the study.