The University of Arizona is looking for individuals interested in participating in a study designed to test a novel, non-medication-based, treatment for Major Depression. This treatment will involve receiving regular, weekly psychotherapy sessions at the University of Arizona’s Psychology Clinic, filling out questionnaires and having a single session of one of two intensities of whole body hyperthermia (WBH) while simultaneously receiving psychotherapy. WBH involves laying in a special device that delivers safe infrared heating to the body. The purpose of this study is to test whether one session of whole-body infrared heating can enhance psychotherapy treatment.
This study is in Tucson, AZ, and the majority of study visits will happen at the UA’s Psychology Clinic. The WBH + Psychotherapy session will occur at the UMC in Tucson.
Compensation will be provided for the WBH session and participants’ psychotherapy sessions will be paid for.
There will be different groups of people enrolled into this study:
1. One group will have weekly psychotherapy and complete study questionnaires and audio recordings
2. A second group will have weekly psychotherapy sessions, complete the study questionnaires and audio recordings, and have one WBH session while completing a psychotherapy session. This group of subjects will be randomized to receive one of two levels of heat during this session. The different levels of heat are explained below:
·The highest level of heat available for the WBH Intervention; which raises core body temperature to approximately 101.3 degrees F.
·The lower heat group will go through all of the same study procedures; however they will not receive the highest level of heat.
You may be eligible if you meet the following general entry requirements:
· Currently between the ages of 18-65
· Currently experiencing depression for at least four weeks
· Not currently taking any antidepressants
· Medically healthy
You cannot participate if you:
· Are currently taking antidepressants
· Have diabetes
· Have silicone or breast implants
· Have bipolar 1 disorder
· Have a personality disorder
· Have schizophrenia
· Currently have a substance abuse or drinking problem
· Have had cancer in the past five years
· Are claustrophobic
If you meet these criteria, you may be eligible to participate in this study. Please fill out the form below, or contact our staff at: 520-314-7492 or send us an email.
For more detailed information about this study, including the informed consent form, click here!