Whole-Body Hyperthermia for Major Depression: JAMA Psychiatry Trial
Can heat therapy treat major depression?
Yes. Heat therapy effectively treats major depression with a single session producing benefits lasting at least 6 weeks. Randomized clinical trial shows significant symptom reduction compared to sham control.
What the data show:
- Treatment sessions: single session produces lasting effects
- Duration of benefit: antidepressant effects last at least 6 weeks
- Against sham control: significant symptom reduction confirmed
- Mechanism: heat shock protein activation + neurotransmitter/inflammatory pathway modulation
- Safety: non-pharmaceutical treatment option for patients needing alternatives
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry found that whole-body hyperthermia produced significant and sustained reductions in depressive symptoms, demonstrating benefits come from the heat therapy itself rather than placebo effects.