According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is among the most common and disabling health conditions worldwide. While many people benefit from psychotherapy and medication, existing treatments are not sufficiently effective for everyone. This is known as treatment-resistant depression. There is an urgent need for new treatment options for this group.
One promising candidate is the hormone DHEA. It is produced by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels gradually decline from around the age of 25 to 30. Previous studies suggest that people living with depression often have lower DHEA levels and that targeted supplementation may help reduce depressive symptoms. However, robust clinical evidence has been lacking.
Large clinical study evaluates the benefits of add-on therapy
Principal investigator and DZPG researcher Prof. Christian Otte and his team aim to address this evidence gap. Participants whose previous antidepressant medication has not provided sufficient benefit will receive either DHEA or a placebo for six weeks, in addition to their existing antidepressant treatment.
The study uses a randomized, double-blind design, meaning that neither participants nor treating clinicians know who receives DHEA and who receives the placebo. Five follow-up visits and standardized questionnaires will ensure the systematic assessment of changes in symptoms.
Personalizing treatment and addressing unmet needs
In addition to investigating the antidepressant effects of DHEA, the study will also examine its potential benefits for metabolism, including blood lipid and blood glucose levels. If DHEA is found to reduce the risk of metabolic or cardiovascular disease, this could provide an additional health benefit for participants.
"If the positive effects of DHEA are confirmed in this study, it could contribute to improved treatment options for people living with depression in the long term, particularly for those whose current treatments are not sufficiently effective," says Otte.
Source: Press release from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
