Hormone therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer increases the likelihood of depression

Study finds that treatment for testosterone suppression has negative side effects
Hormone therapy is usually used to treat prostate cancer. Scientists have now discovered that such treatment also increases the likelihood that sufferers develop depression.

Researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) found in an investigation that hormone therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer can have serious consequences for our health. This type of treatment increases the likelihood of developing depression. The researchers published the results of their study in the journal "Journal of Clinical Oncology".

Hormone therapy is often used in prostate cancer, but this form of treatment appears to increase the risk of developing depression. (Image: Korta / fotolia.com)

Study examines 78,000 people with previous prostate cancer disease for depression
For their study, the researchers analyzed the data of more than 78,000 people in the United States. These had undergone treatment for early prostate cancer. They discovered that about seven percent of the patients who took part in testosterone therapy developed clinical depression within the next few years. Among those who had not undergone such treatment, only about five percent later developed depression, the researchers add.

Researchers find a link between hormone treatment and the mental state
While the results do not provide 100% evidence that hormone therapy is responsible for the development of depression. But the available evidence is enough to assume, Dr. Paul Nguyen from the BWH. The study took into account the patient's likelihood that factors such as age, educational status, and the severity of prostate stricture affect the risk of developing clinical depression, say the researchers. The investigation found that there seemed to be a link between hormone treatment and mental condition. The risk of depression appears to increase as more sufferers participate in a treatment with testosterone suppression, adds Dr. Nguyen added.

The longer the treatment, the higher the risk of developing depression
About six percent of patients who received hormone therapy for six months developed depression over the next three years. If subjects had been taking part in this type of therapy for at least a year, the figure even rose to eight percent, Dr. Nguyen. The new study discovered a number of side effects associated with hormone treatment. However, some sufferers still see therapy as a potential lifesaver, especially if they have been diagnosed as having a serious illness, adds Dr. Nguyen added. Further study is now needed to better understand the effects of hormone treatments. (As)