Hyperbaric oxygen
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy for PTSD?
Hyperbaric oxygen is used to treat traumatic brain injury and post-concussion symptoms. It increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood and increases oxygen delivery to tissues. Oxygen is the active ingredient which is titrated in a manner similar to dosing a drug. The dose is dependent on the amount of oxygen in the gas being breathed multiplied by the absolute atmospheric pressure inside the hyperbaric chamber, and also the duration and frequency of the treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen may improve PTSD symptoms in people with both PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
What is the evidence for the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen for people with PTSD?
Moderate to low quality evidence found some improvement in PTSD symptoms following hyperbaric oxygen therapy in people with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury.
August 2021
Image: ©Elena- stock.adobe.com
Last updated at: 11:24 am, 30th November 2021
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