Hot Water Immersion Therapy for Mental Health (WITHME)

Evaluating Whether Lower-limb Hot Water Immersion Therapy Can Improve Symptoms in Individuals Diagnosed With Depression, Anxiety, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorders

In 2016, it was estimated that nearly 1 billion people worldwide were affected by a mental or addictive disorder, and were associated with considerable excess mortality. Acute heat therapy sessions (e.g. whole-body heating or foot immersions) have been shown to improve symptoms in individuals diagnosed with common mental health illness such as major depressive disorders and reduce anxiety. This study will assess the impact of an at-home 8-week lower-limb immersion in hot water on symptom severity in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD.

For a minimum of 30 minutes, 3 times a week for 8 consecutive weeks, participants will submerge their lower-limbs into 30-32°C (lukewarm) or 39-40°C (hot) water which will be measured with a supplied waterproof thermometer.

6-point scale to assess one's thermal satisfaction, with 1 and 6 defined as "very comfortable" and "very uncomfortable", respectively.

5-point scale assessing whether the water temperature would be changed by the participant, with 2 defining 'much cooler' and -2 defining 'much warmer'

Inclusion Criteria: Over 18 years of age Diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder Internet access (e.g. via smartphone, computer) Currently engaging in mental health treatment Exclusion Criteria: Free of any mental health disorder Not engaging in regular mental health treatment Diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder)