In this podcast, Dr. Ashley Mason, a clinical psychologist, shares her research on non-drug treatments for depression. She focuses on her innovative work with infrared saunas, or whole-body hyperthermia, exploring its potential as a depression therapy compared to traditional sauna use. Dr. Mason explains her research design, which includes a trial that pairs sauna sessions with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and highlights the significance of tracking biomarkers like inflammatory cytokines and BDNF. The discussion also touches on non-drug approaches for insomnia (CBT-I) and overeating, stressing the role of mindfulness and behavioral modification techniques in tackling these challenges.
