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Testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadal men with SSRI-refractory depression
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|July 21, 1998
Summary
Testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved depression in hypogonadal men. Symptoms rapidly decreased, and quality of life improved, suggesting testosterone therapy as a viable treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Men's Health
Background:
- Depressive symptoms in hypogonadal men can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
- TRT may serve as an effective augmentation strategy for major depression refractory to SSRI treatment in hypogonadal men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy as an augmentation treatment for major depression in SSRI-refractory hypogonadal men.
Main Methods:
- Five depressed men with low testosterone and inadequate SSRI response received 400 mg of testosterone biweekly for 8 weeks.
- Patient outcomes were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Scale (Q-LES-Q).
- Four patients underwent single-blind placebo discontinuation to evaluate relapse rates.
Main Results:
- All patients experienced rapid and significant improvement in depression symptoms, with mean HAM-D scores decreasing from 19.2 to 4.0.
- Quality of life scores (Q-LES-Q) substantially increased from 45% to 68% during the treatment period.
- Three out of four patients who discontinued testosterone under placebo showed signs of relapse, indicating treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Testosterone replacement therapy demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for depressive symptoms in select hypogonadal men.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and establish TRT's role in managing depression.