Testosterone and Major Depression

Major Depression Clinical Trial

Official title: The Role of Testosterone in Major Depression

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Context - As men age, testosterone levels decline leading to symptoms that overlap with the symptoms of major depression. Little is known about the potential role of testosterone in the treatment of major depression.Objective - To assess the levels of bioavailable testosterone and total levels of testosterone in men diagnosed with major depressive disorder between the ages of 40 and 65.Design, Setting and Participants - 50 men between the ages of 40 and 65 and who suffer from major depressive disorder will be compared with 50 age matched healthy controls in an outpatient hospital setting. Main Outcome Measures - Bioavailable testosterone and total testosterone levels will be measured as well as blood pressure, pulse rate, height, weight, waist and hip measurements. Medical and psychiatric history will be assessed by the study physician. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) will be used to administered by the physician to ensure that the patient meets the DSM-IV criteria for Major Depression. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17) will be used to assess depression symptom severity. A Symptom/Side Effect Rating Scale will also be administered to measure the presence and severity of side effects that each patient may be experiencing. In addition, the SEX FX questionnaire will be administered. Each patient will be asked to complete a series of self-report measures including the Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale Questionnaire (SASS), the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II).

Clinical Trial Description

This study will be carried our at the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit (MDPU), University Health Network (UHN), University of Toronto, with the approval of the Research Ethics Board (REB). Informed consent will be obtained from all subjects prior to study enrollment.50 male subjects between the age of 40 and 65 will be evaluated by the psychiatrist to assess whether each patient meets DSM-IV criteria for Major Depression using the MINI and to obtain their medical and psychiatric history. In addition, the SEX FX questionnaire (an instrument measuring sexual dysfunction) will be administered. Once each patient has signed the informed consent document, the research staff will assess the severity of depressive symptoms by administering the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17). A Symptom/Side Effect Rating Scale will also be administered to measure the presence and severity of side effects that each patient may be experiencing. Each patient will then have pulse, blood pressure, weight, height, waist and hip measurements taken to evaluate their health. Patients will be asked to provide blood (about 3 teaspoons) and urine (about 1/4 cup) samples for laboratory tests (bioavailable testosterone, LH, thyroid and prolactin). The blood samples will be obtained in the morning between 0800 and 1100 hr. Each patient will then be asked to complete a series of self-report measures including the SASS, the ADAM, and the Beck Depression Inventory.The 50 healthy controls will have a structured diagnostic interview (MINI) administered by the coordinator to obtain their psychiatric and medical history. They will undergo all laboratory tests required of the depressed population and all rating scales mentioned above will be completed with this population as well. Each patient is free to withdraw from the study at any time. ;

Study Design

Observational Model: Defined Population, Time Perspective: Cross-Sectional

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder, Major
• Major Depression

• NCT number: NCT00286546
• Study type: Observational
• Source: University Health Network, Toronto
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: January 2001
• Completion date: August 2005