Can HBOT Help Prevent Veteran Suicide?

Military veterans have unique and troubling health issues. The horrors of war don’t stop on the battlefield: veterans suffer high rates of PTSD and suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determined in 2017 that veterans are 1.5 more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population (1). During each year from 2008 to 2017, over 6,000 veterans died by suicide (1). 

There are many factors contributing to the greatly increased risk of suicide among veterans. Economic disparities are a major contributor to suicide risk; vets who use VA care are less likely to be employed and tend to have lower incomes (1). Homelessness is another significant risk factor. The most recent data from 2017 estimated that 40,000 vets are experiencing homelessness, with nearly half unsheltered or living on the streets (1). 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental disorder that occurs as a result of trauma (2). Symptoms can be debilitating, and include nightmares, flashbacks, hyper-vigilance, memory problems, and an inability to function in daily life (2). A 2015 study estimated that up to half a million veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD (3). PTSD is common in military veterans, and is often difficult to treat. PTSD is a major risk factor in veteran suicide.

So how do we treat PTSD? Well, we’re still figuring it out. Traditional treatments include psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants (3). The effectiveness of these treatments vary, and they are not always accessible to many of our most vulnerable, high-risk veterans.

But novel therapies for treating PTSD are emerging all the time. We are particularly excited about new research that suggests hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can treat PTSD. HBOT involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth (4). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (4). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including concussions, infections, and traumatic brain injuries (5).

HBOT is proving to have significant benefits when treating traumatic brain injuries (TBI). A 2016 scientific review of existing data concluded that “HBOT has been demonstrated to have neuroprotective effects without increased oxygen toxicity in experimental TBI models” (6). Researchers at UC San Diego Health have joined a national research study called “Hyperbaric Oxygen Brain Injury Treatment” to explore the benefits of HBOT on TBI. "The theory is that the hyperbaric oxygen will one, decrease swelling of the brain after it's been injured. And number two, it will deliver oxygen to the injured tissue," says Todd Costantini, the trauma medical director at UC San Diego Health (7).

So what does TBI have to do with veterans? Research has shown that veterans suffer from both TBI and PTSD (8). North Carolina Congressman Greg Murphy is an advocate for exploring HBOT for veterans with TBI and PTSD (9). He acknowledges that while the research is still in its infancy, it strongly suggests that HBOT has the ability to significantly decrease inflammation caused by TBI (9). We are eagerly following the current and upcoming research about HBOT as a treatment for veterans with PTSD and TBI.

At Holistic Hyperbarics, we treat a variety of brain trauma-related conditions. We have successfully treated many patients—including veterans—suffering from TBIs, strokes, and concussions. If you are a veteran seeking treatment for TBI and/or PTSD, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. Though TBI and PTSD treatment are notoriously challenging, there is hope and there is help. We’d love to answer your questions about veterans and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.

SOURCES:

  1. Staff, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual report.” Veterans Affairs, VA, September 2019, https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2019/2019_National_Veteran_Suicide_Prevention_Annual_Report_508.pdf.

  2. Staff, NIMH. “PTSD Treatment for Veterans: What’s Working, What’s New, and What’s Next.” The National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center, NIMH, May 2019, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml.

  3. Reisman, Miriam. “PTSD Treatment for Veterans: What's Working, What's New, and What's Next.” P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, NIH, Oct. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5047000/.

  4. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380.

  5. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html

  6. Hu, Qin et al. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury: bench-to-bedside.” Medical gas research vol. 6,2 102-110. 11 Jul. 2016, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5110132/.

  7. Brandeis, Amanda. “Study Tests Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Hours after Severe Brain Injury.” KMGH, KMGH, 26 Aug. 2020, www.thedenverchannel.com/news/science-tech/study-tests-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-hours-after-severe-brain-injury

  8. Summerall, E. Lanier, M.D., M.P.H. “Traumatic Brain Injury & PTSD: Focus on Veterans.” Veterans Affairs, VA, 2019. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/tbi_ptsd_vets.asp

  9. Murphy, Greg, M.D. “Veteran suicide is a problem. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a solution.” Military Times, MilitaryTimes, Sep. 19, 2020, https://www.militarytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2020/09/19/veteran-suicide-is-a-problem-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-is-a-solution/.

Alexandra Williams