Study on the Effects of Exogenous Testosterone on Threat Perception and Behavioral Avoidance
Information source: University of Texas at Austin
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Testosterone's Effects on Threat Perception/Response
Intervention: Testosterone (Drug)
Phase: N/A
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: University of Texas at Austin Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): Scott H Liening, B.A., Principal Investigator, Affiliation: University of Texas at Austin
Summary
The study aims to establish a clear causal link between testosterone and threat perception
and behavioral responses to threat. Namely, the study focuses whether high levels of
testosterone will cause an individual to exhibit increased physiological responses to threat
(e. g., increased blood pressure, heart rate, and endocrine responses) and a decreased
behavioral response (e. g., ignoring the threat, avoiding the threat, and postponing dealing
with the threat). The threat in this study is a social threat involving public speaking, and
is an outgrowth of previous research on the avoidance of health threats.
Clinical Details
Official title: Study on the Effects of Exogenous Testosterone on Threat Perception and Behavioral Avoidance
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Subject), Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Primary outcome: Behavioral responsePhysiological response
Detailed description:
Participants in the study will receive either a single dose of 10g 1% testosterone topical
gel or placebo the day prior to participating in the study. The day of the study,
participants will provide saliva samples throughout the study to track testosterone and
cortisol levels. Participants will be asked to complete the Trier Social Stressor Task,
which includes having to give a 5 minute speech to a panel of judges. Participants will be
given the opportunity to postpone giving their speech to an unspecified date. The study will
focus on two types of responses to the threat of public speaking: behavioral and
physiological. The behavior of interest will be participants desire to postpone dealing with
the threat (it is hypothesized that those in the testosterone administration group will have
an increased desire to postpone). The physiological responses include increased levels of
cortisol and increased cardiovascular tone (it is hypothesized that the testosterone
administration group will show an increased physiological response compared to the placebo
group).
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 35 Years.
Gender(s): Male.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male
- In good health
- Aged 18-35
Exclusion Criteria:
- Female
- Known carcinoma of the breast or prostate
- Known sensitivity to alcohol or soy products
- Preexisting cardiac, renal, or hepatic diseases
- Obesity
- Chronic lung diseases
- Cancer
- Use of anticoagulants
- Use of insulin or a history of diabetes
- Use of corticosteroids
- High levels of physical contact with women or children
- Preexisting liver problems
Locations and Contacts
Seay Building, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
Additional Information
PI's research website Additional investigator's website
Starting date: January 2012
Last updated: October 12, 2012
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