Recent studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is being increasingly used in the field of psychology, with remarkable results. HBOT has numerous beneficial effects on the body, including boosting the immune system, increasing oxygen throughout the body, and accelerating healing in the brain. Now increasingly recognized for its psychological benefits, HBOT may be the answer everyone has been looking for.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What is HBOT? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment in which patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. As the oxygen levels increase in the bloodstream, this has a healing effect on the body and encourages cell regeneration. Oxygen levels increase throughout the body by up to 15 times, including in the tissue of the brain.
Stress Reduction through HBOT
HBOT can be an effective form of treatment for individuals with anxiety, stress, PTSD, and other psychological issues. With more than 40 million Americans diagnosed each year with anxiety and depression, it’s time for some much-needed relief. Here are some ways that HBOT is beneficial to psychological health.
- HBOT Helps Regulate the Function of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that are released to affect mood, memory, and cognitive processes. Some examples of neurotransmitters include serotonin and dopamine. Studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the function of neurotransmitters in the brain. - Improved Memory and Cognitive Health
HBOT supplies increased oxygen to the hippocampus, improving memory and optimizing brain function used for cognitive processing. - Reduction in Inflammation, Depression, and Anxiety
When inflammation is reduced in the body, it is also reduced in the brain. Brain inflammation has been linked to depression and anxiety. Reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines alleviates these symptoms. - Better Sleep
Increasing oxygen levels in the brain enhances sleep quality in patients, regulates circadian rhythms, and positively affects mood, cognitive function, and overall mental health. - Neurological Healing
HBOT promotes the release of growth factors, which stimulate neurogenesis or the growth of new brain cells. This can be highly effective in degenerative brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other forms of dementia. It has also been widely effective in stroke or traumatic brain injury victims.
Anxiety Management with Hyperbaric Treatment
Patients who are treated with HBOT are said to have a heightened sense of emotional resilience due to better brain health. This is due to the improved oxygenation of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for emotional regulation. This is groundbreaking news for those who suffer from anxiety and depression.
Baromedical Associates
If you are in the Dallas Metro area and suffering from anxiety, depression, stress, or other psychological conditions, it may be time to contact Baromedical Associates. As the industry-leading clinicians in our field, we are happy to provide a healing touch through oxygen therapy. We are readily equipped with the latest technology in hyperbaric oxygen therapy and will customize your treatment to suit your specific needs. Our hyperbaric oxygen chambers are comfortable and private, offering individuals the chance to relax and benefit from the effects of intense oxygen treatment. For more information, contact us today.
Sources:
https://hyperbaricsorlando.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-anxiety/
https://hyperbaricvermont.org/managing-stress-with-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/
