The impact of whole-body hyperthermia interventions on mood and depression – are we ready for recommendations for clinical application?

Abstract

Objective: To systematically summarize the findings from research studies examining the effects of whole-body hyperthermia (WBH) interventions on mood and symptoms of depression. Methods: Systematic literature search of online and offline databases (e.g., Pubmed, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane, academic libraries). Risk of bias assessment and secondary analysis of effect sizes. Study selection: Clinical studies with a pre/post-intervention design and outcome measures for mood and depression as accepted in the S-3 guidelines (Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany). Data extraction: Study characteristics and outcomes (means and standard deviations) from participants receiving at least one WBH intervention. Results: A total of 7 studies and 148 subjects with a mean age of 46 years (36-56 years) were identified. Three out of seven studies utilized hot baths and 4/7 infrared heating. Study duration ranged from 1 to 6 weeks with one or multiple interventions and an average treatment time of 66.37 min (42.55-140). Risk of bias analysis revealed small sample biases and lack of control groups in 3/7 studies. About 21 study end-points were extracted with 19 resulting in effects sizes (Cohen's d) of 0.8 or greater. Target temperatures between 38 C and 39 C and slower increase in core body temperature during the intervention resulted in larger treatment effects. Conclusion: WBH is a promising alternative treatment for depression with low risk for adverse reactions and side effects but still lacking sufficient evidence for general recommendations for clinical practice. However, as all other interventions have failed, the studies to date can provide a framework for clinical application.

Schizoaffective disorder: Symptom remission following pneumosepsis

“…They found that the WBH group had a significant reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores across the 6‐week post intervention study period compared to sham 4 . Furthermore, a systematic review examining the utility of WBH for mood and depressive symptoms was carried out in 2019 5 . Their analysis showed that in 6/7 included studies, a statistically significant reduction in mood and depressive symptoms was found independent of sample size, total number and frequency of treatment sessions.…”

“…4 Furthermore, a systematic review examining the utility of WBH for mood and depressive symptoms was carried out in 2019. 5 Their analysis showed that in 6/7 included studies, a statistically significant reduction in mood and depressive symptoms was found independent of sample size, total number and frequency of treatment sessions.…”

Zwischenergebnisse der laufenden Long-/Post-Covid-Studie des Krankenhauses für Naturheilweisen (KfN) in München

“…Außerdem kommt es zu einer passageren Stoffwechselsteigerung, auch in bradytrophen Geweben, sowie zu einer Relaxation der quergestreiften und sogar der glatten Muskulatur 7 . Nachweislich wirkt die mGKHT auch antidepressiv 2 . Während eines Aufenthalts werden 2–3 mGKHTs pro Patient geplant, wenn keine Kontraindikationen oder eine ausgeprägte Hitzeunverträglichkeit bestehen.…”

“…Außerdem kommt es zu einer passageren Stoffwechselsteigerung, auch in bradytrophen Geweben, sowie zu einer Relaxation der quergestreiften und sogar der glatten Muskulatur [7]. Nachweislich wirkt die mGKHT auch antidepressiv [2] Das mögen keine "großen Sprünge" sein, aber bei der Selbsteinschätzung der Lebensqualität und des Gesundheitszustands sind eindeutige und nachhaltige Besserungstendenzen durch eine einmalige 10-tägige naturheilkundliche Komplexbehandlung nachweisbar. Eine Wiederholung der stationären naturheilkundlichen Komplexbehandlung, z.…”

Fundamental Concepts of Human Thermoregulation and Adaptation to Heat: A Review in the Context of Global Warming

“…This projected shift towards a sub-nocturnal lifestyle could be associated with the limbic system, which drives human behavior to operate in a "comfort zone" [141,142,154]. A higher Tev is also associated with sub-optimal mood, mental functions, and motor skill and physical performances, which compromise occupational health and productivity, and sports performance [85,194,[236][237][238][239]. An example of circadian-related adaptation to heat in current time is in the planning of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which was anticipated to have warmer than usual summer climate (The event was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).…”