04.01.05
Indication: Depression
Source: Arch Gen Psychiatry, February, 2005;62(2):154-62.
Research: To evaluate the efficacy of DHEA as a monotherapy treatment for midlife-onset depression, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover treatment study was performed from January 4, 1996, through August 31, 2002, on 43 men and 43 women between the ages of 45 and 65. The subjects had either midlife-onset major or minor depression. The study was carried out at The National Institute of Mental Health Midlife Outpatient Clinic in the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD. Subjects underwent six weeks of DHEA therapy, including 90 mg per day for 3 weeks and 450 mg per day for 3 weeks, and 6 weeks of placebo.
Results: Six weeks of DHEA administration was associated with a significant improvement in the 17-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale ratings compared with both baseline and six weeks of placebo treatment. A 50% or greater reduction in baseline HAMD scores was observed in 23 subjects after DHEA and in 13 subjects after placebo treatments. Six weeks of DHEA treatment also was associated with significant improvements in Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning scores relative to baseline and placebo conditions. These results led researchers to believe in DHEA as an effective treatment for midlife-onset major and minor depression.
Source: Arch Gen Psychiatry, February, 2005;62(2):154-62.
Research: To evaluate the efficacy of DHEA as a monotherapy treatment for midlife-onset depression, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover treatment study was performed from January 4, 1996, through August 31, 2002, on 43 men and 43 women between the ages of 45 and 65. The subjects had either midlife-onset major or minor depression. The study was carried out at The National Institute of Mental Health Midlife Outpatient Clinic in the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD. Subjects underwent six weeks of DHEA therapy, including 90 mg per day for 3 weeks and 450 mg per day for 3 weeks, and 6 weeks of placebo.
Results: Six weeks of DHEA administration was associated with a significant improvement in the 17-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale ratings compared with both baseline and six weeks of placebo treatment. A 50% or greater reduction in baseline HAMD scores was observed in 23 subjects after DHEA and in 13 subjects after placebo treatments. Six weeks of DHEA treatment also was associated with significant improvements in Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning scores relative to baseline and placebo conditions. These results led researchers to believe in DHEA as an effective treatment for midlife-onset major and minor depression.