The Association of 5α-Reductase Inhibitor With Suicidality

Using a large nationwide cohort, this study aimed to determine the risk of suicide after the use of a 5α-reductase inhibitor, an antiandrogenic medication commonly used in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms.

A retrospective population-based cohort study was performed using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The study consisted of 51,466 men 60 years or older who underwent health examinations between 2005 and 2006. Individuals using a 5α-reductase inhibitor were compared with nonusers based on drug exposure between 2003 and 2006. Individuals using a 5α-reductase inhibitor were additionally divided into tertiles based on cumulative 5α-reductase inhibitor exposure. The incidence of completed suicide was documented during 7 years of follow-up, starting January 1, 2007.

No significant risk of suicide was observed among 5α-reductase inhibitor users compared with 5α-reductase inhibitor nonusers (hazard ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.70-1.48). Cumulative 5α-reductase inhibitor exposure was also not associated with increased risk of suicide (p for trend = .543).

5α-Reductase inhibitor use was not associated with an elevated risk of suicide during a long-term follow-up period. A limitation of this study is that possible drug exposure after the index date was not accounted for. Although 5α-reductase inhibitor may increase the risk of depressive symptoms, the present data indicate that the drug is safe in terms of long-term suicide risk.