Tamsulosin Treatment Affecting Patient-reported Outcomes in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia-associated Depressive Symptoms

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of tamsulosin on LUTS and depressive symptoms among depressed and nondepressed individuals previously diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Materials and MethodsThe study conducted from July 2013 to June 2014 included outpatient participants with benign prostatic hyperplasia presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). One tablet of tamsulosin (0.2 mg) was administered to patients daily. We divided participants with geriatric depression scale (GDS) scores of 0-17 into the nondepressive symptom group (group 1) and those with GDS scores of 18-30 into the depressive symptom group (group 2). At the first visit (V1), 4th week (V2), and 12th week (V3), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), patient perception of bladder condition, overactive bladder syndrome symptom score, and GDS questionnaires were administered.ResultsIPSS (17.35 ± 7.11 vs 14.61 ± 6.04, P = .10) as well as GDS scores (20.97 ± 3.07 vs 8.84 ± 4.50, P  <  .01) were higher among those with depressive symptoms than those without, and difference between the two groups was not represented. After taking tamsulosin, on the V2 and V3, both groups had improved overactive bladder syndrome symptom scores, patient perception of bladder condition, IPSS, QoL, and GDS. Comparing the first visit with the V2 and V3, group 2 showed significant changes in GDS, but group 1 did not.ConclusionTreatment with tamsulosin is associated with improved LUTS and decreased depressive symptoms, which could enhance QoL.