5 alpha reductase inhibitors and depression

Last edited 01/2023 and last reviewed 01/2023

5-alpha reductase inhibitors and depression

A register-based prospective cohort study in Sweden comprising 2,236,876 men found that

  • while 5-ARIs (5 alpha-reductase inhibitors) were associated with increased risk for all-cause dementia, Alzheimer disease, and vascular dementia after the start of treatment, the association became statistically insignificant over 4 years of exposure
  • was no association between 5-ARIs and suicide, but both finasteride and dutasteride were associated with an increased risk for depression

The study authors concluded that:

  • 5 alpha reductase inhibitors might cause depression

Reference:

  • Garcia-Argibay M, Hiyoshi A, Fall K, Montgomery S. Association of 5 alpha - Reductase Inhibitors With Dementia, Depression, and Suicide. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(12):e2248135. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.48135