Overview
This study will recruit 112 medically healthy adults (aged 18-65) currently experiencing depressive symptoms to be randomized to receive either a single Whole Body Hyperthermia (heat therapy) treatment or a Whole Body Hyperthermia treatment followed by a cold water plunge. Participants will complete a baseline assessment of their depressive symptoms as well as 1-week and 2-week post-treatment followup assessments.
Description
The CHILL'D Study aims to figure out how using heat exposure as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) can work better. The researchers want to see if being exposed to heat followed by cold plunge can help people feel better emotionally compared to just being exposed to heat alone.
To answer study questions, 112 adults, ages 18 to 65 experiencing depression for at least 60 days and who meet study eligibility criteria, will be randomized with 1-to-1 allocation to receive either 1) a single session of heat exposure or 2) a single session of heat exposure followed immediately by cold plunge.
A second cohort of up to 50 adults, ages 18 to 65 not experiencing MDD will be randomized with 1-to-1 allocation to the same interventions.
Participants in the heat exposure alone group will receive a single heat session using the Clearlight Sauna Dome lasting up to 140 minutes. Participants in the heat exposure and cold plunge group will receive a single heat session using the Clearlight Sauna Dome lasting up to 140 minutes followed by a cold plunge session lasting up to 10 minutes.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Individuals who currently meet study criteria for depression or individuals who do not currently meet criteria for depression
- English or Spanish speaking (able to provide informed consent and complete questionnaires in one of these languages)
- Able and willing to adhere to trial requirements, including attending all trial visits, preparatory and follow-up sessions, and completing all trial evaluations.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous adverse reaction to hypothermia, hyperthermia and/or infrared exposure
- Use of any medication that may impact thermoregulatory capacity.
- Pregnancy, active lactation, or intention to become pregnant during the study period.
- Endorses current active suicidal ideation with a plan or made a suicide attempt in the prior 6 months.
