Summary: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown effectiveness in alleviating symptoms for individuals with PTSD unresponsive to traditional treatments. In a study of combat veterans, HBOT led to significant reductions in flashbacks, irritability, and hypervigilance, and was associated with improved brain connectivity on fMRI scans. The specialized protocol, developed over years, involves 60 sessions of breathing pure oxygen under high pressure.
The findings suggest that HBOT could heal the “biological wound” tied to PTSD, providing a new avenue of hope. Researchers emphasize that treatment must be carried out by professional teams in specialized hyperbaric centers. This therapy could bring relief to millions affected by PTSD globally.
Key Facts: HBOT significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans unresponsive to other treatments.
The therapy promotes brain connectivity and healing, visible on fMRI scans.
The treatment protocol involves 60 high-pressure sessions with pure oxygen.
Source: Tel Aviv University
Researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at the Shamir Medical Center have demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) improves the condition of PTSD sufferers who have not responded to psychotherapy or psychiatric medications.
The researchers say, “Our unique therapeutic protocol affects the biological brain ‘wound’ associated with PTSD, and effectively reduces typical symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and irritability. We believe that our findings give new hope to millions of PTSD sufferers and their families all over the world.” The group that received hyperbaric therapy showed improved connectivity in brain networks, alongside a decline in all typical PTSD symptoms. Credit: Neuroscience News The study was led by Prof. Shai Efrati and Dr. Keren Doenyas-Barak from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at Tel Aviv University and the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at the Shamir Medical Center. Other contributors include Dr. Ilan Kutz, Gabriela Levi, Dr. Erez Lang, Dr. Amir Asulin, Dr. Amir Hadanny, and Dr. Ilia Beberashvili from the Shamir Medical Center, and Dr. Kristoffer Aberg and Dr. Avi Mayo from the Weizmann Institute.
The paper was published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. According to Prof. Efrati, “Due to our unfortunate circumstances, Israel has […]
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