Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Mental Health: Impact on Depression and Cognition

Jason P Izard; D Robert Siemens

doi:10.1016/j.euf.2019.11.010

Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Mental Health: Impact on Depression and Cognition

Eur Urol Focus. 2020 Nov 15;6(6):1162-1164. doi: 10.1016/j.euf.2019.11.010. Epub 2020 Jan 3.

Authors

Jason P Izard¹, D Robert Siemens²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Urology, Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Department of Oncology, Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. Electronic address: jason.izard@kingstonhsc.ca.
² Department of Urology, Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Department of Oncology, Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada; Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada.

PMID: 31911085
DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2019.11.010

Abstract

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for many men with prostate cancer. Use of ADT can have significant impacts on the mental health of patients with both localized and advanced disease. Prostate cancer patients receiving ADT have a 41% higher risk of depression and a 47% higher risk of dementia. Risk factors for the development of depression in this group of men include older age, marital status, greater comorbidity, and a previous history of depression, while being retired may offer a protective effect. Optimal treatment strategies for depression for these men are not well established in the literature. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed the association between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use by men with prostate cancer and the risk of mental health issues. There appears to be a higher risk of both depression and cognitive impairment for men receiving ADT. Optimal treatments for depression for men on ADT are still not well studied.

Keywords: Androgen Deprivation Therapy; Cognition; Depression; Mental Health.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use*
Cognitive Dysfunction / etiology*
Depression / etiology*
Humans
Male
Prostatic Neoplasms / complications*
Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
Prostatic Neoplasms / psychology

Substances

Androgen Antagonists