Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric condition that develops in certain individuals after experiencing a major traumatic event.

Behavioural symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the trauma, avoidance behavior, mood alternation, and hyperarousal. A large percentage of individuals with PTSD will also experience chronic pain, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and other related mental health issues.

The culmination of these symptoms increases the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, neurocognitive disorders, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders as well. Recent evidence suggests oxidative stress and inflammation to be part of this stress-perpetuating syndrome.

The negative impact that such symptoms and risks can make on one’s quality of life makes it clear that individuals with PTSD require safe, effective treatment options. Unfortunately, less than half of patient receiving traditional psychosocial treatments gain clinically meaningful improvements, and many continue to have residual symptoms.

HBOT can have positive behavioural and neurochemical effects in patients with PTSD by regulating the immune system.

Emerging evidence suggests that patients with PTSD have biological alterations, such as a dysregulated immune system, which results in oxidative stress and inflammation.

In fact, a 2015 meta-analysis of 20 studies found that PTSD is associated with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the blood plasma and serum.

The consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation include accelerated cellular aging as well as increased risk of neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Taken together, the effects of increased disease risk increase the physical and emotional burden of those with PTSD.

HBOT has been shown to inhibit many of the same proinflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers) that are elevated in PTSD, while also increasing anti-inflammatory/antioxidant gene expression.

By doing so, HBOT may improve some of the chemical imbalances that can cause serious damage to those with PTSD.

Lastly, PTSD has also been associated with patients who have suffered from traumatic brain injury (TBI), and HBOT is known to have significant benefits for those with traumatic brain injury.

NIMH » Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#part_155467. Accessed 2 June 2021.

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