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Originally Posted by zkt What particurily dont you approve of in the methodology ? or it it the conclusion or what ?
I certainly can`t call it useless> any paper by a doc is at least an informed opinion and about 10 years distant from useless.
"METHODS AND AIMS
Twenty subjects, ages 35 to 74 years, were evaluated for a double blind placebo controlled trial of a dietary supplement combination for the treatment of ASD. All of the subjects were using medication for the treatment of mood disorder (DSM IV Criteria) included SSRI's, SNRI's, Bupropion, Trazodone and Mirtazipine. Screening physical exams and laboratory studies including CBC, TSH, Prolactin, serum free Testosterone, Serum Chemistries, and Urinalysis were done. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) was used as part of the clinical assessment of ASD. In the course of the evaluation process, low serum free testosterone was noted in 15 patients. |
If you really want to pick the "study" apart you can
"Studies investigating testosterone levels and mood disorders have shown conflicting results. Levels of testosterone in 12 depressed males were compared to age-matched normal controls by Levitt and Joffe in 1988.
No significant differences were noted between the patient and control groups. In 1991, Steiger et al. evaluated nocturnal testosterone secretion in 12 patients with major endogenous depression and found that blunted testosterone and elevated cortisol secretion were markers of acute depression prior to treatment. Testosterone concentration increased after remission from the depression, following drug cessation. Lower testosterone levels were also observed in an evaluation of healthy male internal medicine residents; suggesting that chronic stress and sleep deprivation may play a role in testosterone levels.
He didnt cite the Steiger et al study.
They needed pre treatment baselines. Many persons with psychological issues have altered endocrine systems. Even if it was published-baselines are needed. This is because low t can casue depression and vice versa. Also, to small of a sample size and no control group.
Read-
Schweiger, U et al., Psychosom Med 61 (3): 292-296, 1999.
"Psychiatric inpatients with major depression tend to have higher cortisol and 40% lower T than control subjects with no depression"