Whole-Body Hyperthermia for Major Depression: JAMA Psychiatry Trial
Can heat therapy treat major depression?
A single session of whole-body hyperthermia produces significant antidepressant effects that last at least 6 weeks, with symptom reductions of approximately 6-7 points compared to sham treatment. A randomized clinical trial of 34 patients with major depressive disorder found that heating the body to 38.5°C (101.3°F) for approximately 107 minutes produced rapid and sustained improvements in depression symptoms.
Heat therapy works by activating heat shock proteins, influencing neurotransmitter systems, and modulating inflammatory pathways that are often dysregulated in depression, potentially helping restore normal brain function.