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Hormone May Combat Mid-Life Depression
(Chicago, Reuters Health, 2/7/05)
The US National Institute of Mental Health reports that a
study of 46 depressed adults, aged 45 to 65, demonstrated
that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may effectively control
mid-life depression for some people. Participants in the
study were given either DHEA, an adrenal hormone, or a
placebo; then the DHEA and placebo groups were switched. In
23 subjects, there was a reduction of at least 50% in their
depression after they received DHEA; while 13 improved after
the placebo. The researchers concluded that DHEA may be a
useful alternative for patients not responding to
conventional antidepressants or who are unwilling to take
them.
(Archives of General Psychiatry) |
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