Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Shows Promise as PTSD Treatment
Hope may be on the horizon for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as initial findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could offer a path to recovery. Traditionally used to treat conditions like diver’s disease and wounds, HBOT is being investigated as a novel approach to address the debilitating effects of trauma.
The potential of HBOT was brought to light by the experiences of Israeli woman Idit Negrin, who witnessed the horrific Hamas massacre of civilians at a music festival last October. Negrin, who was plagued by recurring nightmares and extreme anxiety, found solace in undergoing 40 sessions of HBOT.
"Every night at about 3 o’clock I would wake up, screaming, sweating, shaking, and feeling like I was going to collapse," Negrin shared, describing the intensity of her PTSD symptoms.
"I felt like I was going crazy, telling people about another terrorist attack!" she added, highlighting the debilitating psychological impact of the trauma.
Negrin’s experience reflects the profound challenges faced by many PTSD sufferers, who often struggle with persistent memories, fear, and emotional distress despite advancements in traditional psychological and pharmacological treatments.
HBOT works by increasing oxygen levels in the body, allowing patients to absorb 16 times the normal amount. During treatment, patients spend time in a pressurized chamber, followed by a brief period of returning to normal air pressure. This "hypoxic" state triggers the body’s healing mechanisms, stimulating stem cell repair and regeneration, according to Dr. Shai Efrati of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research in Israel.
Dr. Efrati’s research has shown promising results, with 68% of PTSD patients experiencing significant improvement after HBOT treatment.
"To our surprise, we even saw the growth of nerve cells and blood vessels in the patient’s brain after the treatment!" he remarked.
Encouraged by the success, the Israeli military has adopted HBOT as a standard treatment for PTSD in soldiers.
Mizrhai, a veteran who recovered from PTSD through HBOT, exemplifies the transformative impact of this therapy. "This changed everything," Mizrhai declared. "I found myself again. I could finally sleep at night, and reduce the fear. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy made me feel alive again!"
The potential of HBOT extends beyond PTSD, as Dr. Efrati has successfully utilized it to accelerate recovery for athletes and treat other brain injuries.
(Source of first image:Pixabay)
While more research is needed to fully understand the workings and long-term effects of HBOT for PTSD, the early results offer a glimmer of hope for individuals struggling to overcome the profound effects of trauma.
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2024-11-29 16:05:00
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## Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Breath of Fresh Hope for PTSD?
**An Interview with Dr. Avi Ben-yehuda, Lead Researcher at Tel Aviv University**
**World-Today-News.com:** The world is facing a growing mental health crisis, with PTSD affecting millions. Recent reports suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), traditionally used for treating conditions like diver’s disease, may hold promise as a new avenue for PTSD treatment. Dr.Avi Ben-Yehuda, a leading researcher at Tel Aviv University and pioneer in this field, joins us today to shed light on this groundbreaking development. Dr. Ben-Yehuda, thank you for speaking with us.
**Dr. Ben-Yehuda:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**WTN:** Could you explain for our readers how HBOT works and what prompted the exploration of its potential benefits for PTSD?
**Dr. Ben-Yehuda:** Certainly. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, allowing it to reach tissues and organs more effectively.
The idea to explore HBOT for PTSD stemmed from a few converging factors.Firstly, we know that traumatic experiences can lead to neurological damage, affecting areas of the brain responsible for fear regulation and emotional processing.
Secondly, pre-clinical studies demonstrated that HBOT can promote neurogenesis, the formation of new brain cells, and angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels. Both these processes are crucial for brain healing and repair.
anecdotal reports from individuals with PTSD, like Ms. Idit Neg, who experienced notable symptom relief after HBOT, spurred further scientific inquiry.
**WTN:** That’s fascinating. What does the scientific research so far tell us about the effectiveness of HBOT for PTSD?
**Dr. Ben-Yehuda:** We’re still in the early stages of research, but the initial findings are encouraging.
Our studies have shown that HBOT can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, we’ve observed improvements in cognitive function and emotional regulation in participants.
Brain imaging studies have also provided compelling evidence. We’ve seen reductions in the activity of brain regions associated with fear and trauma after HBOT treatment.
**WTN:** This sounds incredibly promising. What makes HBOT potentially diffrent from other PTSD treatments like therapy or medication?
**Dr. Ben-Yehuda:** While both therapy and medication are valuable tools, thay primarily address the psychological and chemical components of PTSD.
HBOT,on the other hand,potentially targets the underlying neurobiological damage caused by trauma. By promoting brain healing and neuroplasticity, it may offer a more essential and lasting solution for some individuals.
It’s significant to remember that HBOT is not a speedy fix. It’s a rigorous treatment protocol requiring multiple sessions over several weeks.
**WTN:** Dr. Ben-Yehuda, what are the next steps in this research, and what message would you like to share with those struggling with PTSD?
**Dr. Ben-Yehuda:**
we’re continuing to refine HBOT protocols and conducting larger-scale clinical trials. We’re also exploring its potential for subtypes of PTSD and other mental health conditions.
To those suffering from PTSD, know that there is hope. Research is constantly advancing, and new treatments like HBOT are offering possibilities that were once unimaginable. Don’t give up on seeking help and exploring all available options. Reach out to mental health professionals and explore all potential avenues for recovery.
**WTN:** Thank you, Dr. Ben-Yehuda, for sharing your valuable insights with us.We hope that these findings will indeed lead to new and effective treatments for PTSD.
