Safety and efficacy of testosterone gel 1% augmentation in depressed men with partial response to antidepressant therapy

Abstract

The current study evaluates the efficacy and safety of testosterone (T) gel 1% augmentation on depressive symptoms and quality of life in treatment-resistant, depressed, hypogonadal men older than 50 years of age who are receiving antidepressants. The authors hypothesized that T augmentation would improve depressive symptoms and quality of life. Eighteen hypogonadal men entered the study who had had an adequate trial of antidepressant therapy and had significant depressive symptoms. Participants were continued on their antidepressant and were randomized to receive either placebo or active T gel (5 g) to be applied once a day. Participants were tested on 6 occasions: screening visit, an initial session (pretreatment), at 6 and 12 weeks during the first treatment condition, and at 18 and 24 weeks during the crossover condition. The authors found a significant improvement in depressive symptoms from baseline to 12 weeks of testosterone treatment. However, a statistical difference between placebo and testosterone treatment phases was not demonstrated. The limitations of the study, including the chronicity and severity of patients' depression, variability in T levels, and a small sample size, probably influenced the ability to detect a discernable difference. Nevertheless, the study shows that T gel augmentation may be helpful in hypogonadal males with depression.