Certain dietary supplements are widely used for their purported benefits in promoting strength, energy and muscle mass. DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone commercially sold to enhance sports performance, although its use is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, according to MedlinePlus. Due to potentially dangerous side effects, including mania, DHEA should only be used under your doctor's supervision.
About DHEA
DHEA is a hormone produced by your body in order to synthesize sex hormones. As you get older, your production of DHEA slows down. According to MedlinePlus, DHEA appears to be lower in people suffering from depression. In addition to its uses as a sports supplement. DHEA is also used to treat certain mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and depression. However, DHEA may also have a negative impact on other mental disorders, like bipolar disorder. In fact, mania, one of the key features of bipolar disorder, may actually be caused by DHEA.
About Mania
Mania is the term used to refer to symptoms of euphoria, irritability and increased energy that occur in bipolar disorder. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, other symptoms of mania include restlessness, agitation, an increase in goal-directed activity, a decreased need for sleep, rapid thoughts and speech, and impulsive behavior. While manic episodes can be triggered by a number of factors, including genetic factors, a lack of sleep, stress, substance abuse and seasonal changes, some research indicates that DHEA may also have a significant impact on symptoms of mania.
Clinical Evidence
Three interesting case reports confirm the potential effects of DHEA on symptoms of mania. One report, published in the January 1999 issue of "Biological Psychiatry," the official journal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry, states that a patient had to be admitted to a psychiatric facility after he displayed symptoms of mania that appeared to be related to DHEA use. The patient reported using 200 to 300 mg of DHEA daily for a period of six months prior to his admission. Another case report, published in the December 2000 issue of the peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary pharmacotherapy journal "The Annals of Pharmacotherapy," discusses the admission of a 31-year old Hispanic man to a psychiatric facility following the development of symptoms of mania that also appeared to be related to the use of DHEA. Finally, in a June 1999 letter to the editor of the "American Journal of Psychiatry," Dr. Mark Kline and Dr. Eric Jaggers report a case of a 51-year old man who experienced symptoms of mania, including delusions, irritable mood and psychomotor agitation, related to the use of DHEA.
Considerations
While DHEA is most likely safe when used for a few months and in low dosages, prolonged use may trigger unwanted side effects, such as mania, especially if you have a predisposition to mood disorders, according to MedlinePlus. Consult your doctor before using DHEA. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any undesirable side effects.
References
- MedlinePlus: DHEA
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Bipolar Disorder
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Possible Dihydroepiandrosterone-induced Mania; J. Markowitz, et al.; January 1999
- "Annals of Pharmacotherapy"; Prasterone (DHEA) and Mania; C.E. Dean; December 2000
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Mania Onset While Using Dehydroepiandrosterone; M. Kline and E. Jaggers; June 1999
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