HypErthermia as an Additional Treatment for the Biology and Experience of Depression

(HEATBED Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Frederick M Hecht, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tested the combination of a heat treatment and a type of talk therapy in adults with major depressive disorder. The heat treatment uses heat to potentially boost mood, while the talk therapy helps change negative thoughts. The goal is to find more effective and well-tolerated treatments for depression.

Research Team

Ashley E Mason, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Frederick M Hecht, MD

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You have taken multiple doses of anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or drugs that block cytokines too recently.

Your depression symptoms decreased by more than 30% between the first and second screening tests.

You started seeing a therapist or counselor for the first time within the past six weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

Greater than 30 percent reduction in BDI-II score between Screen 1 and Screen 2 (conducted about 1 week after Screen 1)

You have any of the following conditions: heart disease (except for controlled high blood pressure), seizures, history of stroke or other serious brain conditions, current cancer, an active infection, bleeding disorders, or any other conditions that may increase the risk of bleeding.

You have or had mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anorexia, bulimia, or addiction that could explain your depression symptoms.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (Behavioral Intervention)
• Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) (Hyperthermia)

Participant Groups

Group I: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Whole-Body Hyperthermia (WBH) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants receive up to 8 weekly (early phase) or 4 bi-weekly (later phase) whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) sessions and 8 weekly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions. Each WBH session (including preparation and cool down) is up to approximately 3.5-4 hours, and each CBT session is approximately 50 minutes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for:

• Chronic pain
• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Trauma-related disorders

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

University of California San Francisco San Francisco, CA

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2636

Patients Recruited

19,080,000+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials

886

Patients Recruited

677,000+