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Cited by 181Treatment of Major DepressionStress Responses and CortisolBipolar Disorder and Treatment

Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia∗∗See accompanying Editorial, in this issue.

Bloch, Miki, Schmidt, Peter J, Danaceau, Merry A, Adams, Linda F, Rubinow, David R·1999·Biological Psychiatry
DOI 10.1016/s0006-3223(99)00066-9
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Abstract

Background This study evaluated the efficacy of the adrenal androgen, dehydroepiandrosterone, in the treatment of midlife-onset dysthymia.Methods A double-blind, randomized crossover treatment study was performed as follows: 3 weeks on 90 mg dehydroepiandrosterone, 3 weeks on 450 mg dehydroepiandrosterone, and 6 weeks on placebo. Outcome measures consisted of the following. Cross-sectional self-ratings included the Beck Depression Inventory, and visual analogue symptom scales. Cross-sectional objective ratings included the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Cornell Dysthymia Scale and a cognitive test battery. Seventeen men and women aged 45 to 63 years with midlife-onset dysthymia participated in this study. Response to dehydroepiandrosterone or placebo was defined as a 50% reduction from baseline in either the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or the Beck Depression Inventory.Results In 15 patients who completed the study, a robust effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on mood was observed compared with placebo. Sixty percent of the patients responded to dehydroepiandrosterone at the end of the 6-week treatment period compared with 20% on placebo. A significant response was seen after 3 weeks of treatment on 90 mg per day. The symptoms that improved most significantly were anhedonia, loss of energy, lack of motivation, emotional "numbness," sadness, inability to cope, and worry. Dehydroepiandrosterone showed no specific effects on cognitive function or sleep disturbance, although a type II error could not be ruled out.Conclusions This pilot study suggests that dehydroepiandrosterone is an effective treatment for midlife-onset dysthymia.

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Authors
Bloch, M., Schmidt, P. J., Danaceau, M. A., Adams, L. F., & Rubinow, D. R.
Affiliations
  • Rambam Health Care Campus (IL)
  • National Institute of Mental Health (US)
Corresponding author
Schmidt, Peter J
ORCID
Venue
Biological Psychiatry
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
1999-06
Volume
45
Issue
12
Pages
1533-1541
ISSN
0006-3223 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/s0006-3223(99)00066-9
OpenAlex
W2059756889
Cited by
179
References
61
Citations by year
2025: 1 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 7
FWCI
8.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/ (tdm)
Locations
  • Biological Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Treatment of Major Depression
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Bipolar Disorder and Treatment
Keywords
dehydroepiandrosterone, dysthymia, adrenal androgens, antidepressant efficacy, anhedonia, mood improvement, cognitive function, sleep disorders
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Adjuvants, Immunologic, Adult, Affect, Cognition, Cross-Sectional Studies, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neuropsychological Tests, Pilot Projects, Psychiatric Status Rating Scales, Cross-Over Studies, Dysthymic Disorder

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