Strategies to promote testosterone deficiency syndrome: a paradigm of disease mongering

The so-called «testosterone deficiency syndrome» is a blend of nonspecific symptoms typical of the physiological process of aging. This syndrome has been the subject of intense promotional activity that has presented the phenomenon as highly prevalent and with a major public health impact. This stra...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGaceta sanitaria Vol. 28; no. 2; p. 173
Main Authors Gavilán, Enrique, Jiménez de Gracia, Laura, Gérvas, Juan
Format Journal Article
LanguageSpanish
Published Spain 01.03.2014
Subjects
Advertising as Topic
Factitious Disorders - drug therapy
Humans
Male
Syndrome
Testosterone - deficiency
Disease awareness
Sensibilización sobre enfermedades
Testosterone
Deficiencia de andrógenos en personas mayores
Androgen deficiency in aging men
Testosterona
Marketing
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Summary:The so-called «testosterone deficiency syndrome» is a blend of nonspecific symptoms typical of the physiological process of aging. This syndrome has been the subject of intense promotional activity that has presented the phenomenon as highly prevalent and with a major public health impact. This strategy has been accompanied by the emergence of new and easy to administer testosterone devices into the pharmaceutical market and has generated significant sales for drug companies. The commercial promotion of testosterone deficiency syndrome and its remedies has exploited cultural stereotypes of aging and sexuality through awareness campaigns promoted by the laboratories involved and has been disseminated by media with the participation of numerous experts and with the support of scientific associations, representing a paradigmatic case of disease mongering. This example might be of use in the response to disease mongering activities from the clinical and public health fields.
ISSN:1578-1283
DOI:10.1016/j.gaceta.2013.06.007