Effects and feasibility of hyperthermic baths in comparison to exercise as add-on treatment to usual care in depression: a randomised, controlled pilot study.

Background: Limitations of current therapy of depression highlight the need for an immediately available, easily implementable add-on treatment option with high acceptance from patients. Hyperthermic baths (HTB) are a form of balneotherapy with head-out-of-water-immersion in a hot pool or tub at 40 °C for 15-20 min. A prior study suggests that HTB added to usual depression care can have antidepressant effects.