Evaluating the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognitive Function, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Veterans
Summit Hyperbarics and Wellness
Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may affect cognitive functioning, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life in veterans. 1. Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improve cognitive functioning, psychological well-being, and quality of life among veterans, as measured by pre-and post-treatment scores? 2. To what extent does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improve cognitive functioning, psychological well-being, and qualify of life among veterans, after controlling for demographic characteristics.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. At least 18 years of age. 2. Veteran status 3. Clinically diagnosed with a mTBI, PTSD, Anxiety, or Depression disorder by meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and by a qualified and trained professional. 4. The subject is willing and able to read, understand, and sign an informed consent. Additionally, the subject has clear consciousness and the ability to express self-feelings independently. 5. Exposed to at least one trauma-focused therapy or evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment, such as prolonged exposure therapy, EM…
Interventions
- DrugHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Each HBOT session is scheduled for approximately 95 minutes. The session will begin with a descent of up to 15 minutes (longer if needed for comfort/safety) to a pressure of 2.0 ATA, followed by 30 minutes of breathing 100% oxygen. At the midpoint, there will be a 5-minute air break from oxygen, after which subjects resume breathing 100% oxygen for another 30 minutes. Finally, the session will conclude with an ascent of up to 15 minutes (longer if needed for comfort/safety) back to 1.0 ATA. All sessions are delivered under direct medical supervision with standardized safety protocols. Once approved after medical and behavioral screening, participants complete a battery of cognitive, mental health, and quality of life assessments at baseline (pre-) and after completing the therapy (post-). This arm is distinct from any sham or control interventions because all participants receive the active HBOT treatment.
Location
- Summit Hyperbarics and WellnessBoise, Idaho