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Individuals who are suffering from depression tend to have higher temperatures, according to a new study.
Depression and Temperature Have a Strange Link
Several studies have found a connection between body temperature and depression symptoms. However, there is too much uncertainty due to the small sample sizes.
In a new study, researchers headed by a team from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) evaluated data from 20,880 people over seven months. They were able to demonstrate that people who suffer from depression typically have higher body temperatures.
Even with participants from 106 different nations, the study's depth is insufficient to demonstrate that depression raises body temperature or causes the body to warm up.
However, it implies that there may be a connection here that merits more research. Millions of individuals worldwide could benefit if something as easy as maintaining composure could help combat the symptoms of depression.
According to UCSF psychiatrist Ashley Mason, this is the largest study to date to investigate the relationship between body temperature as measured by wearable sensors as well as self-report techniques and depression symptoms in a geographically diverse group.
Early studies have shown that hot tubs and saunas reduce depression symptoms, although these studies only included small sample sizes. It's probable that the sweat that results from this self-cooling mechanism also impacts the mind.
"Ironically, heating people up actually can lead to rebound body temperature lowering that lasts longer than simply cooling people down directly, as through an ice bath," said Mason.
The results of the study demonstrated that body temperature averages increased in proportion to self-reported severity of depression symptoms. Although not statistically significant, a correlation was found between reduced daily temperature changes and greater depression scores.
The researchers were pleased about the prospects of a new therapy option given the rising incidence of depression in the US.
ALSO READ: Stressed-Out Parents, Kids Don't Sleep Well Could Lead to Anxiety, Depression [Study]
Depression and Cell Phone Usage
Another study found that minimal usage of cellular phones may help ease depression, especially for teenagers. Researchers from Hanyang University in Korea discovered that teenagers -- those between 13 and 18 -- who used their phones for less than two hours a day were less likely to suffer from depression, insomnia, stress, suicidal thoughts, and alcohol addiction compared to their counterparts who did not use a phone at all.
However, using a phone for longer than four hours a day was associated with a 22% increased risk of those health problems. Thus, the researchers' findings suggest moderate phone use in early adulthood can be "beneficial." Earlier research has shown that too much screen usage might harm our health.
Some say cell phones promote social contact and can lessen feelings of isolation and loneliness. On the other hand, overuse might indicate unhappiness in different areas of life.
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