Abstract Introduction Peyronie’s disease (PD) is an acquired fibrotic disorder of the penile tunica albuginea often resulting in pain, penile deformity, and sexual dysfunction. The condition has been linked to depression, but findings are inconsistent. Objective To determine the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms, and to identify associated covariates, in men with PD. Methods In this international cross-sectional study, participants were recruited from andrology outpatient clinics in Brisbane, Australia and in the Capital and Zealand Regions of Denmark. Collected data included patient demographics, the Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ), Erection Hardness Score (EHS), and the Major Depression Inventory (MDI). The main outcome was the prevalence of depression, defined as an MDI score of 25 or greater. Secondary outcomes included the overall MDI score, and covariates associated with depression or higher MDI scores. Univariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between potential covariates and both depression and MDI scores. Covariates included age, comorbidities, smoking status, relationship status, sexual activity, EHS score, PDQ score and degree of penile curvature. Variables that reached statistical significance in univariate analyses were subsequently included in multivariate models. Results Of 197 participants, 107 (54.3%) were from Denmark and 90 (45.7%) from Australia. Median age was 55 years (IQR 48-61), 80% were in a relationship and 56% were sexually active. Twelve participants reported an MDI ≥ 25 corresponding to a depression prevalence of 6.1% (95% CI 0.03% - 0.10%). The median MDI score was 10 (IQR 5-19). On univariate analyses, not having a partner (p=0.014), absence of sexual activity (p=0.036), lower EHS (p0.001), and higher PDQ scores (p0.001) were associated with increased odds of depression. In multivariate analyses only higher PDQ scores remained significantly associated with increased odds of depression (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18, p=0.028). For continuous MDI outcomes, younger age (p0.001), smoking (p=0.003), not having a partner (p0.001), absence of sexual activity (p0.001), lower EHS (p0.001), higher PDQ-scores (p0.001), and greater penile curvature (p=0.003), were associated with higher scores. In multivariate analyses lower EHS (p0.001) and higher PDQ scores (p0.001) remained independently associated with MDI scores. Conclusions We found a prevalence of depression comparable to that reported in the general male population. Higher PDQ scores, were associated with increased odds of depression. These findings do not support a strong association between PD and depression overall but suggest that patients with more severe disease may be at increased risk of depression. Disclosure No
Juul-Haslund et al. (Mon,) studied this question.