Pressurized oxygen may calm PTSD symptoms

NCT ID NCT03466554

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) can help adults with PTSD from combat or terror. Thirty people who had PTSD for at least 4 years and hadn't improved with standard treatments received 60 daily sessions. Researchers used brain scans and questionnaires to measure changes in symptoms, sleep, and thinking.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to ease PTSD symptoms like nightmares and avoidance, especially for people who haven't improved with standard treatments.
What could go wrong: This was a small early study with only 30 people and no placebo group, so results may not be reliable. HBOT also carries risks like ear pain or oxygen toxicity.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PTSD

Contacts and locations

Locations

Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center

Ẕerifin, 70300, Israel

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.