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

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.