Hot and cold therapy tested as depression treatment

NCT ID NCT06263738

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a single session of whole-body heat therapy (using an infrared sauna) with or without a cold water plunge can reduce depression symptoms. Researchers will enroll 162 adults with depressive symptoms and track their mood changes over two weeks. The goal is to see if these temperature-based procedures offer a simple, non-drug option for mood improvement.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Whole Body Hyperthermia (infrared sauna) and Cold Water Plunge

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to reduce depression symptoms using heat and cold exposure.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only a single treatment session and short follow-up. Results may not last or apply to everyone, and there are risks like discomfort or adverse reactions to extreme temperatures.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder Hyperthermia major depressive disorder mood disorder Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Vail Health Behavioral Health Innovation Center

    RECRUITING

    Edwards, Colorado, 81632, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••