OBJECTIVE

Clinical assessment of depression in men with testosterone deficiency to improve differential diagnosis of this type of depression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-seven men (mean age 50.1±9.08 years) with depressive episode and testosterone level ≤12.1 nmol/l were included in the main group. Depressive episode was diagnosed based on ICD-10 criteria (F-32). Additional assessment of physical and psychometrics parameters was evaluated. Forty men (mean age 42.3±10.53 years) with depression based on ICD-10 criteria (F32, F33) and testosterone level >12.1 nmol/l were included in the comparison group.

RESULTS

Symptoms of depression in men with testosterone deficiency were less severe and led to less functional disturbance. There were some clinical differences in symptoms and syndromes. Single-episode course with manifestation at a later age was more typical for the main group while the comparison group was mostly characterized by recurrent episodes manifesting at an earlier age.

CONCLUSION

Depression in men with testosterone deficiency has a number of differences that must be taken into account when diagnosing and choosing treatment tactics.