Research Studies

Published research on HBOT for Depression

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These publications include different levels of evidence—not necessarily clinical trials. PubMed indexing is not proof of benefit or an endorsement. Summaries are based on available PubMed abstracts, not a formal full-text quality assessment. Read the limitations as well as the findings; some papers report no benefit or potential harms.
Randomized comparative study 2021

Efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen combined with escitalopram in depression and its effect on cognitive function. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Mi K; Guo Q; Xu BY; Wang M; Bi H — Pakistan journal of medical sciences

Plain English Summary

Adding HBOT to escitalopram improved depression scores earlier in treatment and some later cognitive scores.

Limitations & context: Depression-score differences were not significant at later assessments. This does not establish HBOT as a replacement for standard depression treatment.

View on PubMed · PMID 34290782
Systematic review / meta-analysis — post-stroke depression 2020

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-stroke depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Liang XX; Hao YG; Duan XM; Han XL; Cai XX — Clinical neurology and neurosurgery

Plain English Summary

Pooled trials suggested improvement in depression and some functional outcomes in people with post-stroke depression.

Limitations & context: The authors warn that study methodology was relatively poor. Evidence for post-stroke depression cannot automatically be applied to primary depressive disorders.

View on PubMed · PMID 32474256

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting HBOT or any treatment. Individual results may vary.