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Finasteride-induced depression: new insights into possible pathomechanisms
1Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany. benediktroemer@hotmail.com
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
|December 3, 2010
Summary
Finasteride, which inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, may cause depression and anxiety by affecting neurosteroids and reducing hippocampal neurogenesis. Further research is needed to understand its neuropsychiatric side effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- 5-alpha-reductase is a key enzyme in steroid metabolism, producing neurosteroids with neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects.
- Reduced 5-alpha-reductase activity is linked to human depressive illness.
- Finasteride inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, potentially impacting neurosteroid levels and mood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the link between finasteride, 5-alpha-reductase inhibition, and potential neuropsychiatric side effects.
- To investigate the impact of finasteride on neurogenesis and its relevance to affective disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on 5-alpha-reductase, neurosteroids, finasteride, and affective disorders.
- Analysis of studies reporting finasteride's effects on animal behavior and human depressive symptoms.
- Examination of research on finasteride's impact on hippocampal neurogenesis in mice.
Main Results:
- Finasteride robustly induces anxious and depressive behaviors in rodents.
- Human finasteride treatment has been associated with increased depressive symptoms.
- Finasteride treatment inhibits hippocampal neurogenesis in mice, a process linked to emotional behavior.
Conclusions:
- Finasteride's inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase may contribute to neuropsychiatric side effects through altered neurosteroid metabolism and reduced hippocampal neurogenesis.
- The findings suggest a potential role in the pathophysiology of affective disorders.
- Further investigation into the neuropsychiatric risks of finasteride in humans is warranted.
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