On the Effects of Testosterone on Brain Behavioral Functions
February 2015
in “
Frontiers in Neuroscience
”
TLDR Testosterone affects brain behavior in complex and varied ways.
The document reviewed the effects of testosterone on brain behavioral functions, focusing on anxiety, depression, spatial abilities, and memory. Testosterone was shown to reduce anxiety in both genders and its decline was linked to increased depression, especially in aging males. Testosterone supplementation had potential antidepressant effects, though results were inconsistent. In spatial abilities, testosterone's influence was curvilinear and sex-dependent, with benefits varying by level and sex. It generally improved spatial and verbal memory, but high doses or specific conditions could have negative impacts. The document highlighted the complexity of testosterone's role, influenced by dosage, sex, and other factors, and called for standardized research methods and larger studies to better understand its effects.