Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts Among Former Users of Finasteride With Persistent Sexual Side Effects

In a study conducted between 2010-2011, 61 former users of finasteride with persistent sexual side effects for at least 3 months were compared to a control group of 29 men with male pattern hair loss who had never used finasteride. The study aimed to assess depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts among these individuals. The Beck Depression Inventory II was used to measure these outcomes. The results showed that 75% (46/61) of the former finasteride users had depressive symptoms (BDI-II score ≥ 14), which was significantly higher than the 10% (3/29) in the control group (P<.0001). Moderate or severe depressive symptoms were present in 64% (39/61) of the finasteride group, compared to 0% of the controls. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 44% (27/61) of the former finasteride users, in contrast to 3% (1/29) of the controls (P < .0001). The study concluded that there is a potential risk of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts associated with finasteride use, and further research is needed. The study also acknowledged limitations, including the self-selection of participants and the inability to establish causality.