Hyperbaric chamber treatment can be used for a variety of different conditions. One condition that many look for alternative treatments for is depression. Here is how this treatment may reduce the symptoms of depression with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT):
HBOT and Depression
Depression is a mental health issue affecting roughly 5% of the global population. You can be diagnosed with depression in the early stages of life, get diagnosed at a later time in your life, or have conditional depression.
When you enter a hyperbaric chamber for treatment, your lungs fill with pure oxygen. Hyperbaric chamber treatment may be a potential treatment for depression by increasing oxygen to the tissues and blood. Increased oxygen to these areas may increase neuronal function. Neuronal function is in control of sending orders to our muscles and relaying electrical signals in the brain. Your brain can have imbalances if it doesn’t receive enough oxygen. These imbalances may make too much or too few chemicals that can help your brain function properly. Imbalances in these chemicals may cause depression.
When you receive HBOT treatment, new blood vessels can grow. When new blood vessels grow, more stem cells can grow. The more blood vessels and stem cells you have may assist oxygen entering the brain and reduce the amount of imbalance.
Other treatments for depression, like medication, may not be right for you. Some medications can have harmful side effects, or a tolerance can be built up, which may reduce their effectiveness. HBOT may be an alternative to these medications.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Process
Here are some of the guidelines you should follow after you make an appointment for a HBOT treatment:
Prepare for HBOT
Before going in for treatment, shower and refrain from using perfume and deodorants. Keep your body as clean as possible prior to your appointment. Because the hyperbaric oxygen chamber is filled with pure oxygen, using flammable products during your appointment may be harmful.
HBOT physicians may also ask you to reduce your caffeine, carbonated beverage, and alcohol intake for several weeks before starting treatment. These beverages can shrink the blood vessels and reduce the treatment’s success. HBOT physicians may ask smokers to try and stop smoking before their treatment begins and throughout treatment. Smoking and vaping can limit the positive effects of HBOT.
Before your appointment, ask your physician if you are on any medications that you should avoid before entering the chamber. They may have a list of medications and ointments you should not use during treatment for your safety. If you have a cold or the flu, HBOT physicians will probably advise you to wait until you feel better before beginning treatment.
Settle In for Treatment
Treatment time can vary from 60 minutes to two hours, and your treatment time may be shorter or longer depending on the condition you are treating. Some HBOT centers provide you with cotton clothing to make sure you are safe from any synthetic and flammable fibers. You will also need to remove any devices from your person, like mobile phones and other electronic devices. There may be entertainment options for you to choose from for the duration of your treatment. The staff at the HBOT clinic should be there to assist you or answer any questions while you are in the chamber.
During treatment, you may feel a fullness in the ears, like you’ve changed elevation and taken off in an airplane. This feeling is temporary; some may get used to it during their session. After your appointment, you may feel a bit of lightheadedness, and this should also be temporary.
Enjoy the Results
One treatment of HBOT may not be enough to see the results you are striving for. Your HBOT physician or the physician who prescribed HBOT should be able to give you a clearer idea of what results you can expect. HBOT physicians may recommend that you receive hyperbaric chamber treatment for an extended period of time.
Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment for Depression
Those who suffer from depression understand that it can affect their daily lives. Depression may affect the way you think, feel, and react to everyday situations. Contact an HBOT center near you to learn more about hyperbaric chambers and the treatment for depression.
