Who Is the Best Candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Depression?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an alternative treatment for depression, with no drugs or pills, that has been gaining traction as a viable treatment option. During HBOT, the patient is placed in a chamber whose air pressure is at least double that of the atmosphere, then oxygen is administered directly into the lungs. The increase in atmospheric pressure causes more of the oxygen to be absorbed and circulated throughout the body increasing its effectiveness on the body and brain.

At this time HBOT is most effective when used to treat depression as a precursor to traditional treatments like psychotherapy and prescription medications. Those suffering from clinical depression could benefit immensely from a course of HBOT prior to beginning talk therapy or being prescribed medication by a physician. Depression can often be hard to manage, so patients going through this treatment often start out with mild symptoms that can become more pronounced with conventional treatments. Therefore, those who are just beginning their journey with depression may be best suited for this type of therapy.

For people who are not interested in taking antidepressant medications due to side effects or concerns about long-term use,HBOT can offer a relatively safe and non-invasive option for symptom relief and improved quality of life. Some research suggests it can even normalize neurotransmitter levels in patients dealing with anxiety, mood swings and insomnia related to depression. Additionally, some people may feel more comfortable engaging in talk therapy when their symptoms have been partially alleviated due to HBOT before they begin their sessions.

In general, the best candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for depression would be someone who is just beginning dealing with episodes of depression or mild symptoms that have only recently surfaced prior to seeking any other form of treatment. This individual should also prefer natural remedies over pharmaceutical ones and seeking a non-invasive option available today that offers promising results.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has become a popular alternative and complementary treatment for depression and anxiety. HBOT offers the promise of a new way to relieve the symptoms of many neurological and mental health disorders. While it can be an effective treatment, there are some potential side-effects of undergoing HBOT.

One side-effect of HBOT is risk of middle ear problems. Because during the course of HBOT treatments, high levels of pressure are introduced into the chamber and ears don’t adjust, making them prone to an excess pressure injury. Other potential side-effects include lung injury, shallow breathing, oxygen narcosis, vision changes, sinus pressures/pain or congestions, claustrophobia, harm to fetal development if pregnant women are exposed to this therapy before delivery, or worsening symptoms.

More importantly, it is important that people with certain medical conditions discuss possible complications with their doctor before undergoing HBOT in order to help minimize any potential risks associated with this treatment. For instance those with asthma and other respiratory issues as they can pose a significant hindrance during therapy due to increased oxygen levels in their body. Furthermore those on certain medications but not all may also require physicians advice as these medicines become less effective in higher oxygen levels.

In general however, HBOT is generally very safe for most who suffer from mild to moderate depression or anxiety and has the capacity between 68% - 90% success rate depending on individual cases. It is important then that when looking into alternative treatments for depression or anxiety – one should research far and wide about its effectiveness as well as any possible adverse effects it may have before starting HBOT treatments.