Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for ADHD

Mar. 04, 2025

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help Manage Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, is a disorder that typically begins between the ages of 3 and 6, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. It's not just a childhood disorder. ADHD can continue into the teenage years and adulthood. In 2019, about 6 million children were diagnosed with ADHD, and that number is expected to increase by 2025, mostly between the ages of 3-17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Boys (13%) are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (6%). "Boys are also more likely to have the hyperactive-impulsive type," says child psychiatrist Tiffany R. Falchioni, MD. "This type of ADHD is easier to spot than the quiet, inattentive type." If you suspect your child may have ADHD, talk to your pediatrician or healthcare professional about intervention.

Understanding ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual's attention, impulse control, and activity level. The disorder is most common in childhood but can extend into adulthood. The core features of ADHD can be divided into three main areas:

Inattention:

Patients have trouble staying focused on a task, organizing activities, paying attention to details, following instructions, or completing tasks. They may be frequently distracted, forget routines, and have trouble maintaining attention, especially on activities that are not interesting or stimulating.

Hyperactivity:

This is manifested by an inability to sit still, excessive movement such as running or crawling at inappropriate times and squirming in their seats. This behavior is not intentional disobedience but rather uncontrollable impulsivity.

Impulsiveness:

Patients may act without fully thinking, interrupt others, have difficulty waiting their turn, and display impatient and impulsive behavior.

Diagnosing ADHD is a complex process that requires ruling out other possible medical and psychological causes, and symptoms must persist in multiple settings (such as home and school) and have a significant impact on the individual's social, academic, or occupational functioning.

The cause of ADHD involves genetic factors, and studies have shown that about 30% of the genetic likelihood of ADHD is associated with common genetic variants. Environmental factors, such as pregnancy stress, premature birth, and low birth weight, may also play a role in rare cases. In addition, the symptoms of ADHD may vary at different ages, and childhood hyperactivity may become internalized as people age, manifesting as inner restlessness and mental activity.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for ADHD

The secrets of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): How does it work on the brain?

Definition and explanation of HBOT

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical procedure that treats diseases by allowing patients to breathe pure oxygen or high-concentration oxygen at a pressure higher than a standard atmosphere. This means that patients enter a special oxygen chamber where the air pressure is increased and the amount of oxygen inhaled is much higher than the level under normal atmospheric conditions. This increased oxygen pressure allows the blood to carry more oxygen to various parts of the body, including those areas with poor blood circulation, thereby promoting tissue repair, enhancing immune function, and may have a therapeutic effect on certain diseases.

The role of oxygen in brain function and cognition

The brain is one of the organs in the human body that consumes the most oxygen, and oxygen is essential for maintaining its normal function. Adequate oxygen supply is essential for neuronal vitality, nerve conduction speed, memory formation, attention, and decision-making processes. Lack of oxygen, even for a short period, can lead to decreased cognitive function, and long-term lack of oxygen can cause brain damage. Therefore, ensuring that the brain receives enough oxygen is essential to maintaining good cognitive function.

The potential benefits of HBOT for ADHD

HBOT has been investigated as a potential alternative or complementary treatment for ADHD due to its ability to enhance brain oxygenation and neuroplasticity. Some of the possible benefits include:

Improved Attention and Focus

By increasing oxygen availability, HBOT may help stimulate brain regions responsible for executive function, such as the prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in individuals with ADHD. This can lead to:

Enhanced concentration

Better task management

Reduced impulsivity

Reduction in Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Studies suggest that HBOT may help regulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which are key neurotransmitters involved in ADHD symptoms. This can contribute to:

Better emotional regulation

Improved impulse control

More stable energy levels

Enhanced Brain Connectivity and Neuroplasticity

HBOT promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and improves brain connectivity, which may help individuals with ADHD process information more efficiently. This can result in:

Faster cognitive processing

Improved learning ability

Stronger working memory

Reduced Brain Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Some research indicates that individuals with ADHD may have increased brain inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to cognitive dysfunction. HBOT's anti-inflammatory effects can lead to:

Better overall brain health

Reduced mental fatigue

Decreased neurological symptoms associated with ADHD

Potential Alternative to Medication

For individuals who experience side effects from stimulant medications (such as Ritalin or Adderall) or prefer non-pharmaceutical interventions, HBOT could serve as a natural and non-invasive treatment option.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for ADHD

Comparison of the advantages of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and traditional ADHD treatment

	Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy（HBOT）	Traditional treatment (drugs + behavioral therapy)
Treatment Principle	By inhaling high-concentration oxygen in a high-pressure environment, the blood oxygen supply is increased, improving brain function and neural plasticity.	Medications regulate brain neurotransmitters, and behavioral therapy helps patients improve their attention and self-control.
Effect	May improve oxygen to the brain, enhancing concentration and cognition; some studies suggest it may reduce symptoms of ADD.	Medication can quickly relieve symptoms and improve concentration and self-control, while behavioral therapy provides long-term habit improvement.
Continuity	There may be long-term improvement and the effect is relatively lasting, but multiple courses of treatment are still needed for consolidation.	The effects of medications are usually short-term and require continued use, while the effectiveness of behavioral therapy depends on adherence.
Security	Non-invasive and relatively safe; however, it is not suitable for people with emphysema, ear diseases, etc.	Drugs may cause side effects such as increased heart rate, decreased appetite, and sleep problems; behavioral therapy has no obvious side effects.
Side effect	A few people may experience ear discomfort, mild headache, fatigue, etc.	Drugs may cause anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, and other problems, and long-term use may affect children's growth and development.
Target Group	It is suitable for people who have no obvious response to traditional treatments or are not used to the side effects of drugs.	It is suitable for most people with ADD, but some people may not tolerate the medication.
Cost	The cost is high and multiple courses of treatment are required, but in the long term, it may reduce dependence on drugs.	Drug treatment is relatively cheap, but the cumulative cost of long-term use is high; behavioral therapy may require professional guidance, and the cost varies from person to person.
Dependencies	It is non-addictive and will not cause drug dependence.	Some drugs (such as methylphenidate) have a risk of dependence, and long-term use may lead to tolerance.
Comprehensive Effect	It may serve as an additional treatment for ADD, improving oxygen supply to the brain and enhancing concentration and emotional stability.	Traditional drugs and behavioral therapies remain the main means, but there are problems of side effects or dependence.

FAQ

Q: Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy require hospitalization?

90% of cases are treated as outpatients and can return home after each treatment

Q: Do children need to be accompanied by their parents during hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by their parents throughout the trip, and the oxygen chamber is equipped with a special breathing mask for children.