Heat therapy for depression
Part of Injuries & trauma, Mental health clinical trials.
This study tests a new treatment that uses heat (sauna) to help with depression. It is a feasibility study to see if this approach works and is acceptable. If you have depression and are not taking antidepressants, you may be able to participate.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You must be 18 years or older and able to read and speak English.
- You need to be currently experiencing a major depressive episode that has lasted at least 2 weeks, with a score of 10 or more on a depression questionnaire.
- You must be willing to lie flat on your back inside a sauna device for up to 2 hours per session.
- You must have internet access on a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
- You cannot be taking any antidepressant medication for at least 4 weeks before the study starts, and you must avoid certain other medications.
- You must not have serious medical conditions such as heart disease, seizures, stroke history, Parkinson's, or cancer.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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