Suffering from anxiety can be a debilitating experience that affects both the mind and body. But what if there was a way to alleviate anxiety through the power of oxygen therapy? In this article, we explore the possibility of using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to unlock a sense of calm for those living with anxiety. We take a closer look at the science behind HBOT and its potential benefits. Join us as we dive into the world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and discover how it might offer more than just physical healing but also a mental reprieve for those in need.

Key Takeaways

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) enhances healing. It boosts the immune system by increasing the oxygen levels in blood and tissues, which can also improve mental health, including relief from anxiety and depression.
  • Plus by APN provides personalized mental health treatments that integrate HBOT with other therapies based on comprehensive assessments of the patient’s history and goals, showing effectiveness in nerve function and reducing anxiety symptoms.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an innovative treatment that involves inhaling pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. This technique significantly increases the amount of oxygen the blood carries, which aids in healing and repairing tissues. HBOT is especially beneficial for spinal cord injuries and decompression sickness, where delivering an increased level of oxygenated plasma to areas lacking sufficient oxygen interrupts the progression of swelling and cell death.

How HBOT Works: Delivering More Oxygen to Oxygen-Starved Tissues

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is based on a simple principle: increasing the oxygen concentration within the blood. This treatment results in a significant 42% increase in oxygen concentration levels over baseline, mainly due to the increased amount of oxygen that gets dissolved within the blood plasma.1

What is the Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Mental Health Conditions?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is emerging as a potential game-changer in mental health treatment. Studies reveal HBOT can deliver significant relief from anxiety and depression, thereby making it a promising treatment option for these conditions.2 Patients with incomplete spinal cord injuries, who often suffer from severe anxiety and depression symptoms, have reported improved psychological health after undergoing HBOT treatment. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may also have therapeutic effects on individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),3 a condition that frequently co-occurs with anxiety disorders, and HBOT’s potential impact could be broader than just addressing specific symptoms. Furthermore, HBOT’s potential to promote neuroplasticity,4 especially in patients with fibromyalgia and a history of CSA, is another promising area for further research.

Feeling Overwhelmed by Anxiety? Unlock a Calmer You with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Plus by APN

Forget the endless internet searches and the frustration of feeling lost. Dive into a proven solution and discover what hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can do for you. At Plus by APN, we offer personalized HBOT treatment plans designed to target your unique anxieties and symptoms.

Experience the Difference With Plus by APN

  • Tailored treatment: Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, we work with you to develop a personalized HBOT plan that addresses your specific needs and anxieties.
  • Proven results: HBOT is a clinically proven therapy that has shown positive outcomes in reducing anxiety symptoms.
  • Relaxing and comfortable environment: Our state-of-the-art, medical-grade HBOT chambers provide a safe and comfortable experience during your treatments.
  • Experienced team: Our highly trained and compassionate staff is dedicated to providing you with the support and guidance you need throughout your journey.

Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step towards calming your mind, reclaiming your life, and experiencing the transformative power of HBOT. Get tailored HBOT treatment for anxiety at Plus by APN today. 

Experience the calming benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Fort Worth and at our Plus by APN clinics Dallas, TX, and Edwards, CO. Our advanced hyperbaric chambers are ready to help you unlock a sense of calm and manage anxiety effectively with personalized HBOT treatments.

The Impact of HBOT on Anxiety Symptoms

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) shows significant potential in reducing anxiety symptoms by improving blood flow to the brain and increasing oxygen supply.5 The therapy achieves these outcomes by promoting unrestricted circulation, enhancing nerve function, and improving daily living activities. These mechanisms help break the cycle of mental and psychological trauma, psychological factors, and functional deficits experienced by individuals with incomplete spinal cord injuries and anxiety. 

Moreover, many individuals undergoing this therapeutic intervention experience a decline in their dependency on psychoactive drugs.6

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Enhances Neuroplasticity

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can enhance neuron regeneration by improving neural injury site blood flow and oxygen levels, which may lead to advancements in neuroplasticity for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury and anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that HBOT can activate critical areas of the brain involved with emotional control, social behavior, and mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex, and subgenual area.7 This activity suggests positive effects on neuroplasticity relevant to anxiety disorders.

Researchers have observed an indication of better nerve function along with overall enhanced brain functionality fostering improved neuroplasticity through HBOT’s ability to promote growth factor production and angiogenesis. These improvements could translate into a durable alleviation of symptoms associated with anxiety. Evidence points towards HBOT providing more significant improvements in mental health challenges when combined with routine rehabilitation than conventional methods alone,8 positioning hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a valuable complementary approach for treating various mental health conditions.

Complementary Therapies to HBOT for Anxiety Relief

In a multifaceted treatment plan for mental health, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is often used in combination with additional therapeutic methods. To bolster cognitive enhancement and help alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, neurological feedback is utilized concurrently with HBOT.

As an extension of this integrated treatment strategy, therapies aimed at restoring balance and vestibular function can be employed together with rehabilitative exercises targeting eye movements and frequency-specific interventions. Furthermore, nutritional strategies can be implemented to underpin the overall well-being of individuals undergoing HBOT by contributing to improvements in mood stabilization and reduction of anxiety-related symptoms.

Combining Psychological Rehabilitation and HBOT

Utilizing a multifaceted approach that incorporates HBOT with psychological rehabilitation can significantly enhance the treatment outcomes for anxiety. After an eight-week regimen combining both HBOT and psychotherapy, there was a notable decrease in scores measured by Hamilton Depression (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety (HAMA), indicating lower levels of depression and anxiety from HBOT.2 Concurrent  psychotherapy sessions bolster the process of psychological recovery.

HBOT’s calming effect on the nervous system parallels the benefits obtained during psychotherapy treatment, suggesting HBOT’s effectiveness in addressing mental aspects associated with anxiety disorders. A holistic treatment team may choose to incorporate metabolic and nutritional therapies into the care plan alongside hyperbaric oxygen therapy as complementary approaches, enriching the treatment outcomes and promoting optimal mental health.

Functional Physical Rehabilitation

The process of functional physical rehabilitation is essential for the improvement and overall health of individuals recovering from neurological disorders. When hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is integrated with standard rehabilitation therapies like respiratory function training, there’s a notable boost in the results pertaining to both physical and psychological well-being. Significant enhancements in patient conditions have been observed among those who underwent routine rehabilitation therapy combined with HBOT and respiratory exercises.

In an effort to foster complete recovery from neurological issues, healthcare providers may incorporate various physical therapies alongside HBOT. These therapies include methods aimed at enhancing balance, as well as vestibular and eye movement training – all integral components that contribute positively towards patients’ general welfare during their rehabilitation journey.

Managing Expectations

It is essential to have realistic expectations when considering hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). To reap the benefits of HBOT, multiple sessions are typically required, and the exact number will vary based on the patient’s unique health needs.

When utilizing HBOT for anxiety management, it forms part of a broader treatment plan. This strategy often combines various therapies and medications explicitly tailored to what suits the patient best.

Ongoing Support and Care

At Plus by APN, our dedicated team ensures patients receive unwavering guidance and support throughout their treatment process. Their commitment to continuous care is fundamental for a successful path toward achieving peak mental health. We meet every step of the journey with necessary assistance aimed at helping you reach your optimal mental well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who cannot use hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Individuals who have recently undergone ear surgery or sustained an ear injury, those suffering from a cold or fever, or patients with certain lung diseases are advised against utilizing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

How long does it take for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to work?

Typically, the onset of results from hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be observed after approximately six to eight sessions. Substantial developments of new blood vessels tend to occur during sessions 18 to 23.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is a process where one breathes in pure oxygen within an environment of elevated pressure. This method enhances the amount of oxygen carried by the blood to aid in healing and repairing tissues.

HBOT has shown efficacy for a multitude of health issues and can be advantageous across different medical scenarios.

Does insurance cover HBOT?

It’s essential to consult with your insurance provider regarding the specifics of HBOT coverage to prevent any unseen expenses, as it can vary widely depending on diagnosis and treatment goals.

Final Thoughts

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an innovative and promising approach to managing anxiety. HBOT works by improving blood flow, oxygen supply, and nervous system function, breaking the anxiety cycle and promoting overall well-being. At Plus by APN, we are committed to offering personalized HBOT plans and other therapies to create a comprehensive support system for those seeking a calmer, brighter future. To unlock the transformative power of HBOT, schedule a free consultation today at Plus by APN.

References

  1. Kahle AC, Cooper JS. Hyperbaric Physiological And Pharmacological Effects of Gases. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470481/
  2. Feng, Juan, and Hui Li. “Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Depression and Anxiety in the Patients with Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (a STROBE-compliant Article).” Medicine, vol. 96, no. 29, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000007334. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
  3. Doenyas-Barak, Keren, et al. “The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Veterans with PTSD: Basic Physiology and Current Available Clinical Data.” Frontiers in Neuroscience, vol. 17, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1259473. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
  4. Doenyas-Barak, Keren, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Symptoms, Brain’S Microstructure and Functionality in Veterans with Treatment Resistant Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.” PLoS ONE, vol. 17, no. 2, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264161. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
  5. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” ScienceDirect, Encyclopedia of Biomedical Gerontology, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024. 
  6. Wilson, Marian et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Pain, Opioid Withdrawal, and Related Symptoms: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.” Pain Management Nursing: Official Journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses vol. 23,5 (2022): 616-624. doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2022.03.001
  7. Hadanny, Amir, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Induce Neuroplasticity and Significant Clinical Improvement in Patients Suffering From Fibromyalgia With a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse—Randomized Controlled Trial.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 9, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02495. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
  8. Yan, Dong, et al. “The Effects of Combined Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Patients with Post-stroke Depression.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science, vol. 27, no. 5, 2015, pp. 1295-1297, https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.1295. Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.