Finasteride and Depression: A Study
Author Information
Author(s): Babak Rahimi-Ardabili, Ramin Pourandarjani, Peiman Habibollahi, Amir Mualeki
Primary Institution: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Does finasteride administration induce depressive symptoms or anxiety in men with androgenetic alopecia?
Conclusion
Finasteride may induce depressive symptoms, so it should be prescribed cautiously to patients at high risk for depression.
Supporting Evidence
- Finasteride treatment significantly increased BDI scores (p < 0.001).
- HADS depression scores also increased significantly after treatment (p = 0.005).
- No significant change in HADS anxiety scores was observed (p = 0.061).
- 46.9% of subjects were within normal range for depression at baseline.
Takeaway
This study found that taking finasteride might make some men feel sad or depressed, so doctors need to be careful when giving it to patients who might already be at risk for depression.
Methodology
The study involved 128 men with androgenetic alopecia who completed depression and anxiety questionnaires before and after two months of finasteride treatment.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group and excluded patients with diagnosed mood disorders, which may have missed individuals at higher risk for behavioral changes.
Participant Demographics
Men aged 20 to 38 years with androgenetic alopecia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Confidence Interval
0.34 to 1.04
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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