Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen within a pressurised chamber, which enhances oxygen absorption into the bloodstream due to the increased pressure. Traditionally used for conditions like decompression sickness, HBOT is now gaining popularity for treating a variety of other conditions, including mood disorders.
Understanding Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, affect millions of people worldwide, significantly impacting their quality of life. These mental health conditions are characterized by persistent changes in mood and include:
- Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.
- Anxiety: Excessive worry, nervousness, and fear that interfere with daily activities.
- Bipolar Disorder: Characterised by severe mood fluctuations, including intense emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and profound lows (depression).
Mood disorders frequently arise from a blend of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological influences. These disorders are often marked by changes in brain oxygen metabolism and reduced oxygen levels in the brain, which trigger metabolic reactions, inflammation, and the activation of various brain regions that contribute to anxiety and depression.
How HBOT Can Help with Mood Disorders
Traditional treatments like medications and psychotherapy provide relief for many, but not all individuals respond to these therapies. Recently, HBOT has emerged as a promising complementary treatment for mood disorders.
- Neuroinflammation Reduction: Inflammation in the brain is often linked to mood disorders. HBOT has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce neuroinflammation, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Read more about Inflammation and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
- Enhanced Neurogenesis: HBOT promotes the growth of new neurons and improves brain plasticity. This can enhance brain function and connectivity, potentially improving mood and cognitive function.
- Improved Brain Oxygenation: Many mood disorders are associated with reduced blood flow and oxygenation in certain brain regions. HBOT increases oxygen supply to these areas, supporting better brain function and mood regulation.
- Stress Reduction: HBOT can lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Reducing cortisol can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, providing a sense of calm and well-being.
- Supporting Mitochondrial Function: Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses of cells, and their dysfunction is linked to mood disorders. HBOT enhances mitochondrial function, which can boost energy levels and improve overall mental health.
Integrating HBOT into Mental Health Treatment
While HBOT shows great potential, it should be viewed as a complementary treatment rather than a standalone solution. For example, a study on post-stroke depression found that patients receiving HBOT along with antidepressants achieved better improvements than those receiving medication alone. Integrating HBOT with traditional therapies, such as medications and psychotherapy, is essential to achieve the best outcomes. Consulting with healthcare providers is crucial to determine the appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Evidence from Real-World Trials
HBOT has been proven to be a safe and effective method of treating post-stroke depression in studies. It has also been shown to reduce depression and anxiety in individuals following a spinal cord injury. However, there are still relatively few studies on HBOT’s use in treating depression more broadly. Despite this, the emerging evidence is promising, suggesting that HBOT could be a valuable addition to the toolkit for managing mood disorders.
Conclusion
HBOT offers an exciting and promising avenue for supporting mental health and treating mood disorders when used alongside traditional therapies.
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References
Burtscher, J., Niedermeier, M., Hüfner, K., van den Burg, E., Kopp, M., Stoop, R., Burtscher, M., Gatterer, H. & Millet, G.P. 2022, “The interplay of hypoxic and mental stress: Implications for anxiety and depressive disorders”, Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, vol. 138, pp. 104718.
Krzystanek, M., Romańczyk, M., Surma, S. & Koźmin-Burzyńska, A. 2021, “Whole body cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen treatment: new biological treatment of depression? A systematic review”, Pharmaceuticals, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 595.
Larrick, J.W., Larrick, J.W. & Mendelsohn, A.R. 2021, “Response to Hypoxia in Cognitive Decline”, Rejuvenation Research, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 319-324.
Liang, X., Hao, Y., Duan, X., Han, X. & Cai, X. 2020, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-stroke depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis”, Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, vol. 195, pp. 105910.
Lim, S., Sung, K., Shiue, Y., Wang, C., Chio, C. & Kuo, J. 2017, “Hyperbaric oxygen effects on depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in traumatic brain injury rats”, World neurosurgery, vol. 100, pp. 128-137.
Lin, C., Huang, K., Tung, C. & Liu, Y. 2019, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy restored traumatic stress-induced dysregulation of fear memory and related neurochemical abnormalities”, Behavioural brain research, vol. 359, pp. 861-870.
Luo, C., Deng, X., Cheng, J., Xiao, D., Zhang, C., Feng, J., Chen, S. & Hu, N. 2020, “Altered anxiety and social behaviors in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy”, Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 73, pp. 245-251.