Scientists Discover Antidepressant Characteristics in Testosterone

In This Article:

If you need help,
we’re here for you.
Contact us today.

Get Help

100% Confidential
Pasadena Villa
Locations & Programs
Smoky Mountain Lodge
(Sevierville, TN)
Intensive Residential Treatment and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
The Stables Autism Program
(Sevierville, TN)
Intensive Residential Treatment

Scientists from Florida State University, Nicole Carrier and Mohamed Kabbaj have identified antidepressant properties in testosterone (the primary male sex hormone), but they are still unsure of the exact mechanisms underlying its effects.

According an article in Science Daily, a specific pathway in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory formation and regulation of stress responses, plays a major role in mediating testosterone’s effects.

Women are twice as likely compared to men to suffer from an affective disorder like depression. Men who are prone to hypogonadism, a condition where the body produces no or low testosterone, also suffer from increased levels of depression and anxiety. Its been shown that testosterone replacement therapy effectively improves mood.

Although it may seem like scientists have all the answers, it is important to understand where these effects are occurring to better target the development of future antidepressant therapies.

When scientists performed multiple experiments on neutered adult male rats, they found that the rats developed depressive-like behaviors that were reversed with testosterone replacement.

They also identified a molecular pathway called MAPK/ERK2 (mitogen activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated kinase 2) in the hippocampus that plays a role in mending the protective effects of testosterone. This pathway may be a promising target for antidepressant therapies.

Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge is an adult intensive psychiatric residential treatment center for clients with serious mental illnesses. We also provide other individualized therapy programs, step-down residential programs, and less intensive mental health services, such as Community Residential Homes, Supportive Housing, Day Treatment Programs and Life Skills training. Pasadena Villa’s Outpatient Center in Raleigh, North Carolina offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (PHP). If you or someone you know may need mental health services, please complete our contact form or call us at 407-215-2519 for more information.

 

Source:

ScienceDaily.com

If you’re ready to start your recovery, we’re here to help.

Contact us today.

Our treatment centers accept private payment, out-of-network benefits, and in-network benefits.

Our Admissions Team is available at 407.215.2519 to discuss your payment options.

Recent Posts

If you’re ready to take the next step in the recovery process for you or your loved one, the compassionate team at Pasadena Villa is here to help. Give us a call at 407.215.2519 or complete our contact form.

Looking for treatment?

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Get exclusive resources, find inspiration, and grow alongside us. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter now!

X