Can thermotherapy mitigate depression? A review of physiological adaptations and clinical evidence

With a rising prevalence of the major mood disorders, recent years have seen a growing interest in the potential therapeutic value of lifestyle practises such as exercise and thermotherapy. While the beneficial effects of exercise on mental health are now well documented, the potential benefits of thermotherapyare less studied. Similarly to exercise, passive heat- and cold exposure may induce physiological responses which counteract the pathophysiological underpinnings of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Thus, for prevention or treatment of mood disorders, thermotherapy could complement exercise or be a viable alternative for people with injuries or disability. Here, we first review physiological adaptations to passive heat- or cold treatment in the context of hypotheses for thepathogenesis of depression. Next, we review clinical interventions investigating effects of passive heat- or cold treatment on depressive disorder, before ending with a discussion of future directions.