Combining heat therapy and behavioral therapy to treat major depression
Official title: Optimizing an integrated whole-body hyperthermia and behavioral intervention for major depressive disorder
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10640897 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well a combination of whole-body heating and talk therapy can help people with major depression feel better quickly and improve their mood over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $242,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R34AT011221-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10640897 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe medical conditions that contraindicate hyperthermia or those currently receiving other intensive treatments for depression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating major depressive disorder. The approach aims to enhance rapid improvements in depression symptoms, known as sudden gains, which can lead to long-lasting benefits. Participants will undergo a single-arm trial to refine the treatment protocol and assess its impact on mood and cognitive flexibility. The study seeks to provide a new integrative treatment option for individuals struggling with depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a novel and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While initial pilot studies have shown promising results, this integrated approach of combining WBH with CBT is relatively novel and requires further rigorous testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mason, Ashley E. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Mason, Ashley E.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.