Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common amongst military veterans but can affect anyone who has experienced or witnessed an extreme physical or emotional event, and could be very difficult to treat. is greater than Two thirds People fail to reply to treatment with medications and therapy. New treatments are urgently needed.
Oh A recent study Israel has shown promise with an unusual treatment: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It includes Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. HBOT has traditionally been used to treat various physical ailments, akin to carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness (also often called “the bands”).
The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, involved 63 male veterans aged 25 to 60 who had suffered from PTSD for greater than five years. Fifty-six subjects accomplished the study.
Study participants were randomly assigned (28 in each group) to receive either energetic treatment with 60 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen plus 10 m underwater diving at a pressure of 10 m, or air only. with “sham treatment” (control group). above atmospheric pressure.
Treatment was 90 minutes a day, five days every week for 12 weeks and included air breaks, or simulated air breaks, every 20 minutes for people within the control group. The groups were similar (as expected in a randomized study) they usually couldn't accurately predict which treatment they received (this “blinding” helps remove bias from the study).
Self-reported symptoms of PTSD and depression improved significantly within the group receiving hyperbaric oxygen, each immediately after treatment and three months later, in comparison with the control group.
Interestingly, changes in certain areas of the brain related to PTSD will also be seen with magnetic resonance imaging. Some mild negative effects were reported on this study, including the resurgence of traumatic memories, which in itself could be very interesting and possibly a part of the therapeutic effect.
The study is small but solid, with very interesting results.
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More than half a century
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used for greater than half a century for its multiple effects on the immune system – wound healing, infection and Chronic inflammation. If we predict of PTSD as a wound with chronic inflammation, it's not hard to assume how it really works, even when we don't fully understand the mechanisms involved.
In a wound, damaged cells release molecules that stimulate the immune system and attract stem cells involved within the healing process. This process uses up plenty of oxygen and is required by the mitochondria, the ability plants of the cell. Work at full capacity..
If healing is just not complete, some cells near the wound change their behavior and switch off the ability plants (mitochondria) to survive, as a substitute Dying and changing.
It is a natural survival mechanism, necessary for regeneration after injury. Cells which were damaged but not lost go right into a survival mode that could be reversed when the upcoming threat is over. But, for unknown reasons, some cells stay inside. Survival mode.
This is known as survival mode Youth or old age. This normally happens as we age but with injury, many cells can go into survival mode directly.
If we have a look at the body as an ecosystem or society, cells in survival mode are the elders. Older cells are smarter in a way because they carry memories of past traumas and don't kill themselves when things get slightly rough. Unfortunately, also they are more sensitive to emphasize, not as efficient, and still use oxygen and energy.
The essential explanation for functional decline is that we steadily “rust” from the within resulting from oxidative stress. We lose antioxidant capability and increase the variety of senescent cells. Aged cells have fewer mitochondria.
Several effective medications can be found to scale back symptoms. Oxidative stress. However, because cells are programmed to conserve energy, normal function can further decrease if the cells aren't challenged. On the opposite hand, if we will't naturally reduce oxidative stress, it could possibly reduce us. Life and quality of life.
The body reacts after we induce small bursts of oxidative stress, akin to during intense exercise Protective substances in the stress response. Interestingly, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown similar effects, often called The hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox. Hyperbaric oxygen is great for the brain because we will't Exercise your brain at the gym..
Neurons within the brain live longer than some other cell within the body. A brain cell can live for 70 years or more. Areas of the brain often called the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex are key areas which might be liable to and develop into liable to oxidative stress. Dysfunctional in PTSD.
Immune cells patrol the body and communicate with the brain. Important in PTSD. In the brain, astrocytes are immune cells with a protracted lifespan and memory that support and protect brain cells.
In survival mode, resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction, this support becomes inactive. It helps brain cells survive but is just not good for optimal performance. Causes chronic inflammation.
Astrocytes form a protective shield of antioxidants for aging brain cells, which is difficult to beat under normal conditions. Hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to stimulate astrocytes to deliver recent mitochondria to neurons. The cell model.
By difficult cells with hyperbaric oxygen, they gain enough energy to shut down and die old cells, and healthy cells develop into stronger and more efficient, ready for the following generation of staff (recent stem cells). Release capability and energy. This reset process could also be what's at work in healing individuals with PTSD.