This study, called the CHILL'D Study, is looking into how heat therapy, sometimes with a cold plunge, might help people with depression. Researchers want to see if a single session of Whole Body Hyperthermia (heat therapy) followed by a cold water plunge works better to improve mood than just the heat therapy alone. You might be able to join if you are 18 to 65 years old and are currently experiencing symptoms of depression, or if you do not have depression but want to participate as a healthy control. The study will measure changes in your depression symptoms using a scale called the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at the start, and then one and two weeks after treatment. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design

This is an interventional study planning to enroll 162 participants, including those with depression and healthy controls. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either heat therapy alone or heat therapy followed by a cold plunge.

What's involved

Participants will attend a baseline assessment, a single treatment session lasting up to 140 minutes (with an additional 10 minutes for cold plunge if assigned), and follow-up assessments one and two weeks after treatment.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Participants will be followed for two weeks after their treatment session to assess changes in depression symptoms.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.