Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is being studied as a possible complementary treatment for anxiety and related symptoms. Research has examined whether greater oxygen availability, alterations in cerebral blood flow, and effects on neuroplasticity may impact brain functioning associated with anxiety. However, at this time, evidence is limited and HBOT should not be considered a replacement for established treatments for anxiety.
Anxiety – What is it?
Anxiety is a normal response to stress or danger . It can become a mental health disorder if excessive fear, worry or related symptoms persist and disrupt daily life.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders can include:
- Constant anxiety or fear
- Anxiety or feeling jittery
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleeping issues
- Muscle stiffness
- Fast heart rate or other physical symptoms
There are different types of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias.
Anxiety is complex, with interactions between brain function, physiology, behavior and environmental factors, so researchers are looking at different approaches that may complement established treatments.
How Could HBOT Impact Anxiety?
HBOT increases the availability of oxygen by enabling people to breathe oxygen in a pressurized environment. Scientists are exploring whether these physical changes influence brain functions related to anxiety.
Three areas are especially relevant.
Greater Oxygen Availability
The increased pressure of HBOT allows more oxygen to dissolve into the blood plasma. This can increase oxygen availability to tissues including the brain.
“The brain is a very oxygen-hungry organ, so scientists are interested in whether fluctuations in oxygen levels can modulate cell metabolism and brain function.
However, simply increasing the availability of oxygen does not prove that HBOT will reduce anxiety symptoms.
Brain Circulation
The brain works normally only when it gets enough blood.
The effect of HBOT on cerebral blood flow and perfusion in different areas of the brain has been studied. Changes in cerebral circulation could be relevant for research into cognition, emotional regulation and neurological recovery.
Further research is needed to determine whether these physiological changes lead to consistent clinical benefits. The relationship between changes in cerebral blood flow and anxiety symptoms is complex.
Cell Signaling and Neuroplasticity
HBOT is also being studied for its potential effects on neuroplasticity, cellular signaling, inflammation and tissue repair.
The brain has the ability to change and rewire its connections; this is called neuroplasticity. Researchers are interested in whether repeated changes in the availability of oxygen may affect biological processes involved in the adaptation of the brain.
These mechanisms could be a reason for why HBOT is being researched based on anxiety research, but not evidence that HBOT directly cures the biological causes of anxiety.
Can I do HBOT with anxiety treatment?
HBOT could be studied as an adjunctive strategy and not as a replacement for established anxiety treatment.
Depending on the individual and the type of anxiety disorder, evidence-based treatment may include:
- Psychotherapy
- Drugs
- Behavioral interventions
- Stress management and lifestyle approaches
- Other treatments that a qualified healthcare professional may recommend
People should not stop taking their prescribed medication or stop psychotherapy because they are thinking about HBOT.
Those interested in using HBOT for anxiety should speak with an appropriate healthcare professional instead about the approach. It is contingent upon the individual medical history, current treatment, medications and overall health.
What Other Benefits Might HBOT Offer?
Research on HBOT extends beyond anxiety, and some people want the therapy as part of a broader wellness or recovery regimen.
Areas studied include:
Recovery and Sleep
Some of the HBOT research has looked at sleep related outcomes. Given the tight relation between sleep and psychological well-being, sleep quality may be relevant in terms of anxiety and recovery.
Headache
HBOT has also been studied for certain types of headaches and neurologic symptoms. However, the evidence does vary according to the particular condition.
General Wellbeing
Some studies have used quality of life, fatigue or general well-being measures as secondary outcomes.
These areas are relevant to the wider research surrounding HBOT, but should not be taken as evidence that HBOT is a general treatment for anxiety or all related symptoms.
Conclusion
HBOT is a new research area in anxiety and mental health. Researchers are looking at changes in cerebral blood flow, increased oxygen availability, effects on neuroplasticity and cellular signaling to see whether they may contribute to changes in anxiety-related symptoms.
Some of the early findings, however, are intriguing, but the evidence today is insufficient to establish HBOT as a first-line treatment for anxiety or as a substitute for psychotherapy or medication.
At present, HBOT should be considered as a possible additional treatment option, under proper professional guidance. Prospective clinical trials are underway to determine who might benefit, what protocols are indicated, and whether potential improvements can be maintained in the long run.
