Low Testosterone with Dual Diagnosis and Suicidal Behavior

[Michael Scally MD]

Kiraly DD, Sher L. Low testosterone in a young combat veteran with dual diagnosis and suicidal behavior: a case study. Int J Adolesc Med Health. http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/ija...018/ijamh-2015-5018.xml?rskey=GNI8mN&result=2

Suicide and suicidal behaviors amongst combat veterans is an important public health issue. Exposure to military combat predisposes patients to increased levels of major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and chronic pain - all of which are important risk factors for suicide.

Here, we present a case study of a young combat veteran who presented with an impulsive suicide attempt that had a high potential for lethality in the context of depression, PTSD, and substance use.

On routine admission laboratory work, his serum level of testosterone was seen to be low.

Given the important role that testosterone plays in the regulation of mood and behavior, we posit that it is a potentially important marker for suicide risk in an already at-risk population.

 

[Masters Power]

As one of my professors used to say "there are too many variables here to draw any sound scientific conclusions"

 

[Abuckeye]

Indeed an important marker Michael Scally MD.
Thanks for posting up Sir.


https://www.sciencedirect.com/scien...iencedirect.com/science/journal/01650327/48/2

Testosterone replacement therapy for hypogonadal men with SSRI-refractory depression

Abstract
Background: Testosterone replacement therapy is an effective treatment of some depressive symptoms in hypogonadal men, and may be an effective augmentation treatment for SSRI-refractory major depression in such men. Methods: We treated five depressed men who had low testosterone levels and had not responded to an adequate SSRI trial with 400 mg testosterone replacement biweekly for 8 weeks. Four patients underwent single-blind placebo discontinuation. Patients were assessed at baseline and biweekly thereafter using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Endicott Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Scale (Q-LES-Q). Results: Patients' mean age was 40 years, and mean testosterone level 277 ng/dl. All had a rapid and dramatic recovery from major depression following testosterone augmentation: mean 21-item HAM-D decreased from 19.2 to 7.2 by week 2, and to 4.0 by week 8; mean Q-LES-Q increased from 45% to 68%. Three of four subjects who underwent discontinuation of testosterone under single-blind placebo treatment began to relapse. Conclusion: Testosterone replacement therapy may be an effective treatment of depressive symptoms in some men, and warrants further research.