Cold water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, is sometimes promoted as a natural remedy for depression, according to an article published by Ohio State Health and Discovery on June 26. The approach is based on the idea that applying very cold water to the skin can change physiology and mood.
The article states that while alternative treatments like cold plunging have gained popularity in the media, there is no rigorous scientific evidence that exposure to cold water leads to lasting or meaningful improvement in depression symptoms. “When my patients ask about trying these alternative therapies, I explain that many of these treatments haven’t been subjected to any standardized research studies,” the author said. The article emphasizes the importance of pursuing evidence-based interventions for depression and encourages individuals to consult with their doctors regarding risks and benefits.
Evidence-based interventions are described as those with clear clinical support for effectiveness. More than 20 years ago, criteria for empirically supported treatments were published by the American Psychological Association, helping establish trusted guidelines for mental health care. Treatments are grouped into categories such as well-established or probably effective based on research support. “It’s important to be a smart consumer of mental health treatment,” the author said.
The article lists examples of evidence-based interventions for depression, including medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), along with therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, interpersonal psychotherapy, problem-solving therapy, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.
Psychotherapy in controlled trials typically lasts 12 to 16 weeks but may take longer in real-world settings due to more complex conditions. However, treatment should remain time-limited when possible.
Ohio State Health and Discovery addresses societal issues such as health equity and substance use through its academic medical center—which includes hospitals and outpatient facilities—and seeks to advance health locally and globally through innovations in research, education, patient care, community involvement, wellness resources, research advances, and community initiatives, according to its official website.
