Abstract
The decrease of testosterone levels after alcohol ingestion is seen in
both non-alcoholic and alcohol dependent patients. Mood effects during
hangover and alcohol detoxification are common symptoms. In ageing men a
connection has been observed between lowered testosterone levels and
depressive symptoms as well as cognitive impairment. Mood effects in
combination with lower testosterone values exhibit similarities between
ageing men and alcohol dependent patients after a drinking period. The
aims of the study were: to study the testosterone levels during
detoxification and after three weeks of sobriety, to investigate possible
connections between reduced testosterone levels and psychological
symptoms in an acute alcohol detoxification situation, to survey the mood
parameters during detoxification and after a period of sobriety, and to
investigate the effects of testosterone supplementation on the levels of
insulin-like growth factor I.
It was found that after an alcohol drinking period depressive symptoms
were connected to lower testosterone levels. During three weeks of
sobriety testosterone values slowly increased while LH and FSH initially
decreased and later increased. Also, most mood parameters improved after
three weeks. After testosterone supplementation a significant increase of
the IGF-I values was observed at Day 4 as well as higher scores for
vigour. In the placebo group a significant decrease of tension-anxiety,
anger-hostility and confusion were found.
