Evaluating Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Effects on Cognitive Function, Mental Health, and Quality of Life in Veterans with Brain Injury and PTSD

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate how hyperbaric oxygen therapy HBOT may impact cognitive functioning, post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD, depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life in veterans. It specifically investigates whether HBOT improves these areas by comparing assessments taken before and after treatment while considering demographic factors. The study is designed as a Phase 2 interventional trial focusing on veterans diagnosed with related mental health and brain injury conditions. Participants receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions lasting about 95 minutes each. Sessions include gradual pressure changes to 2.0 ATA, two 30-minute periods of breathing 100% oxygen separated by a 5-minute air break, all under medical supervision with safety protocols. After medical and behavioral screening, veterans undergo baseline cognitive, mental health, and quality of life assessments before starting HBOT and repeat them after completing the treatment course. During the study, participants complete questionnaires and tests measuring PTSD symptoms, cognitive function, depression, anxiety, and quality of life both before and immediately after treatment. These include the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, NeuroTrax cognitive testing, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, and WHO Quality of Life questionnaire. The study monitors participant safety and adherence throughout, with total involvement lasting from baseline assessment through the end of HBOT sessions.

Veterans' Cognitive Function, Mental Health, and Quality of Life After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy