Background: Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) treatment often report changes in sleep. We conducted an uncontrolled pilot study of subjective sleep scales and sleep parameters measured using actigraphy. Methods: Fifteen patients (3 male and 12 female) referred for HBO₂ treatment of their underlying illnesses were recruited for this study. Sleep quality indices were determined applying the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (JESS), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and actigraphy. All 15 subjects were tested before HBO₂ treatment and after no more than five (mean 2.7) treatments. Nine subjects were further tested after at least 20 (mean 26) treatments. Results: After no more than five HBO₂ treatments, there were overall improvements in sleep indices indicated by reductions in the PSQI-J total score and shorter sleep onset latency, which was consistent with the actigraphy data. After at least 20 HBO₂ treatments, there were improvements in the PSQI-J total score and in the sleep quality and daytime dysfunctions subscales, as well as in the JESS total score. For the VAS, there was an improvement in fatigue after no more than five HBO₂ treatments and after at least 20 HBO₂ treatments. Original symptoms improved after at least 20 treatments, but not after no more than five treatments. Conclusion: The shorter sleep onset latency appears to be an immediate effect of HBO₂ treatment since this change occurred prior to the alleviation of original symptoms, mainly pain. HBO₂ could potentially be applied for the treatment for patients with sleep disorders or athletes suffering from jet lag due to international travel.

This study examined psychological features and the process of psychological development of early adolescent top athletes. Eight counseling cases of early adolescent top athletes were reviewed, and four features were revealed: “Difficulty of noticing changes in the body related to puberty,” “Inability to perform what used to come naturally,” ”Lack of support” and “Over-adaptation to athletic competition.” Moreover, the psychological development process of these four features in early adolescent top athletes is unique in that they must skip directly from the task of industry at school age to self-identity at adolescence. Early adolescent top athletes engaged with their self-identity through the experience of “losing the sense of their own body”. In counseling, they began the process of “trial-and-error to awaken a new sense of self with the support of their relationship with the therapist”, and also began to “confirm this awakening”. It is likely that these experiences were accomplished due to the therapist taking multifaceted roles during counseling.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was formerly regarded as a problem of childhood, but has recently been considered to also occur in adults. ADHD in adults may present as difficulties in daily life due to lack of attention and sometimes psychiatric issues. The treatment of ADHD patients in both childhood and adulthood mainly involves psychosocial therapy and pharmacotherapy (using methylphenidate or atomoxetine in Japan). However, the World Anti-Doping Agency has issued a prohibition against using methylphenidate in high-level athletic competitions. We present the case of a man in his 20 s with ADHD who participated in high-level athletic competitions. In this case, we had to provide pharmacotherapy according to the World Anti-Doping Agency criteria. Difficulties in daily life due to lack of attention improved after the administration of atomoxetine. This case suggests that pharmacotherapy for adult ADHD in athletes should take into account the anti-doping protocols for athletic sports.

The assessment of personality is vital for the effective treatment of athletes with eating disorders, just as it is in members of the general population with eating disorders. However, few studies have specifically investigated the personalities of athletes. In this study, we conducted Rorschach tests for three female athletes with bulimia nervosa and compared the results to previous studies. The results showed that both athletes with and without eating disorders tend to exhibit an introverted character. However, athletes with an eating disorder exhibited low abilities in reality testing and primitive defense mechanisms, which are often found in borderline personality disorders. The present study suggests that athletes with eating disorders have difficulty in forming stable relationships. These maladaptive relational patterns could also be projected onto their coaches or therapists. Further research is required to examine the personalities of athletes with eating disorders.