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Medical Center - University of Freiburg study examines whether body warming baths can alleviate depressive symptoms / Participants between 18 and 70 years of age wanted

Many patients with depression are looking for complementary treatment options. The University Center for Naturopathy at the Department of Medicine II at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg is conducting a clinical study to investigate whether overheating baths can alleviate depressive symptoms. The heat treatment takes place under medical supervision in water heated to around 40 degrees. The study compares the effect of overheating baths with thermoneutral baths (baths without targeted temperature stimuli) and a standard treatment without bathing.

Procedure and requirements for participation

Women and men between the ages of 18 and 70 who are currently suffering from a depressive episode or a recurring depressive disorder can take part. The four-month study phase begins with a detailed initial examination. This is followed by random allocation to overheating baths, thermoneutral baths or standard treatment without baths. The bath treatments take place over eight weeks with two appointments per week, followed by a further eight weeks of follow-up. All examinations and treatments are free of charge, travel costs can be reimbursed on request.

A prerequisite for participation in the study is that the existing therapy has not been changed for at least four weeks prior to the start of the study. Serious physical or other mental illnesses exclude participation.

Interested parties can contact the following person by e-mail or telephone:

Susanne Forster, Project Coordinator

0761 270-83200

susanne.forster@uniklinik-freiburg.de

Further information about participation can be found in the flyer.