Depression
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been explored as a potential treatment for depression, with various studies indicating its benefits on psychological, cognitive, and functional outcomes. This is an adjunct therapy and not a replacement for standard therapies such as psychotherapy and medication.
HBOT floods the blood, plasma and brain tissues with oxygen while in a pressurised chamber. The mechanisms that are important for depression are:
Neuroinflammation Reduction: HBOT exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can lower neuroinflammation and oxidative stress linked to mood disorders
Neuroplasticity & Brain Repair: It promotes the growth of new neurons, supports mitochondrial function, and helps balance brain chemicals and stress hormones like cortisol.
Co-Occurring Conditions - HBOT appears most effective where depression is tied to underlying physical or neurological issues.
Study: Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of depression
Results: It was observed across the 6 included trials that HBOT significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved functional outcomes across multiple studies. Improvements in psychological and neurological measures were consistently reported. Additionally, substantial relief from post-concussion symptoms and enhancements in cognitive and emotional well-being were noted. Some studies highlighted the correlation between physiological markers, such as hemoglobin A1c levels, and depressive symptoms, suggesting HBOT's broader therapeutic potential. Combining HBOT with pharmacological treatments showed rapid improvements in depression and cognitive function, further supporting HBOT's efficacy.
Conclusion: HBOT demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and improving cognitive and functional outcomes. The therapy's potential benefits extended across various measures, indicate its potential as a multifaceted treatment for depression. Further research is recommended to explore HBOT's mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.
Study: Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-stroke depression: Association with inflammatory biomarker reduction in a sham-controlled randomized trial
Results: The primary outcome was the change in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score from baseline to week 4. NIHSS and MBI scores and serum c-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were evaluated at baseline as well as 2 and 4 weeks after HBOT intervention. HAMD-17 scores decreased significantly in the HBOT group vs. sham-group at weeks 2 (p = 0.017) and 4 (p < 0.01). Serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly reduced in the HBOT group (all p < 0.01). Reductions in HAMD-17 scores correlated positively with declines in IL-6 (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and TNF-α (r = 0.42, p < 0.05).
Conclusion: HBOT could reduce the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines and inhibit depressive symptoms in PSD patients. Large trials are needed to validate long-term efficacy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1052305726001485
Study: Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on depression and anxiety in the patients with incomplete spinal cord injury
Conclusions: The effects of HBO on depression and anxiety are similar to that of psychotherapy. HBO can significantly improve nerve function and activities of daily living in the patients with ISCI, which either psychotherapy or routine rehabilitation therapy can not substitute.