What common psychological response may patients experience during HBOT?

Patients undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may commonly experience anxiety or claustrophobia due to the enclosed nature of the hyperbaric chamber. When patients are placed in a confined space, especially under increased pressure, they can feel trapped or uneasy. This psychological response can be heightened by the unfamiliar environment of the chamber and the necessity of receiving treatment for potentially serious medical conditions.

Anxiety may arise as patients anticipate the treatment, particularly if they have pre-existing fears related to being in tight spaces. The sensation of pressure changes during the therapy can also contribute to this feeling, intensifying their discomfort. Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for the overall success of the therapy and may require pre-treatment counseling or relaxation techniques to alleviate these feelings.

The other choices identify responses that, while they may occur, are less typical or not as universally experienced as anxiety or claustrophobia in the context of HBOT. For example, while euphoria could be experienced due to the effects of increased oxygen, it is not commonly reported as a significant psychological response. Similarly, while some patients might feel depressed about the length of treatment or confusion from pressure changes, anxiety and claustrophobia are more prevalent concerns that directly impact the patient’s ability to tolerate