Home › Depression › NCT06263738

Cold and Heat Investigation to Lower Levels of Depression

Who can join

Ages 18 to 65 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

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.

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• Whole Body Hyperthermia (procedure)
• Cold Water Plunge (procedure)

Sponsor: Barry Sandler · Participants: 162 · Started: May 14, 2024

Contact the study team

• Study Coordinator · Phone: 970-855-7374

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06263738

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Depression
• Mood Disorders
• Hyperthermia

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.