BACKGROUND: Ample evidence from animal research indicates that the gonadal steroid hormone testosterone has fear-reducing properties. Human data on this topic, however, are scarce and far less unequivocal. The present study therefore aimed to scrutinize anxiolytic effects of a single dose of testosterone, using a direct physiological index of fear in humans. METHODS:Twenty healthy female participants were tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design involving sublingual administration of a single dose of testosterone. Four hours after intake, we assessed effects on baseline startle and fear-potentiated startle in a verbal threat-of-shock paradigm. RESULTS: In accordance with predictions, testosterone administration resulted in reduced fear-potentiated startle, without affecting baseline startle. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides direct evidence that a single dose of testosterone reduces fear in humans. The relationship of this effect to previous research on anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines, as well as possible mechanisms of action, is discussed.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Ample evidence from animal research indicates that the gonadal steroid hormonetestosterone has fear-reducing properties. Human data on this topic, however, are scarce and far less unequivocal. The present study therefore aimed to scrutinize anxiolytic effects of a single dose of testosterone, using a direct physiological index of fear in humans. METHODS: Twenty healthy female participants were tested in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design involving sublingual administration of a single dose of testosterone. Four hours after intake, we assessed effects on baseline startle and fear-potentiated startle in a verbal threat-of-shock paradigm. RESULTS: In accordance with predictions, testosterone administration resulted in reduced fear-potentiated startle, without affecting baseline startle. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides direct evidence that a single dose of testosterone reduces fear in humans. The relationship of this effect to previous research on anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines, as well as possible mechanisms of action, is discussed.
Authors: Shawn N Geniole; Valentina Proietti; Brian M Bird; Triana L Ortiz; Pierre L Bonin; Bernard Goldfarb; Neil V Watson; Justin M Carré Journal: Proc Biol Sci Date: 2019-05-29 Impact factor: 5.349
Authors: Carol A Van Hulle; Mollie N Moore; Elizabeth A Shirtcliff; Kathryn Lemery-Chalfant; H Hill Goldsmith Journal: Behav Genet Date: 2015-01-31 Impact factor: 2.805
Authors: J M P Baas; N Mol; J L Kenemans; E P Prinssen; I Niklson; C Xia-Chen; F Broeyer; J van Gerven Journal: Psychopharmacology (Berl) Date: 2009-05-05 Impact factor: 4.530