APA Dictionary of Psychology

a standard medical treatment for prostate cancer that lowers androgen levels, or blocks their effects, to slow the growth of hormone-sensitive tumor cells. It is commonly used alongside radiation therapy for intermediate- and high-risk localized disease and as a systemic treatment for recurrent, advanced, or metastatic prostate cancer. ADT can be achieved surgically through bilateral orchiectomy, which permanently eliminates the primary source of testosterone, or more often with medications that suppress androgen production or inhibit androgen receptor signaling. Contemporary drug approaches include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or antagonists and androgen receptor–targeted agents; estrogen is now rarely used because safer options are available.

ADT can cause numerous side effects, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of bone density and muscle mass, fatigue, gynecomastia, cognitive dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. Interventions such as physical exercise, supportive psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy can alleviate some of the effects (e.g., bone loss, depression). Although many tumors eventually develop resistance, strategies such as treatment intensification or, in selected patients, intermittent therapy may be used to balance disease control with quality of life. Also called androgen suppression therapy.