TLDR Hair loss, not finasteride, is more strongly linked to psychological issues and suicidality.
The study by Nguyen et al. investigated the association between finasteride use and suicidality and psychological adverse events in young patients with alopecia. The authors initially proposed a link between finasteride and these adverse events. However, their findings indicated that the association was more strongly related to alopecia itself rather than the use of finasteride. The study highlighted the need to consider additional factors before concluding the relevance of finasteride in causing psychological issues.
40 citations,
November 2020 in “JAMA Dermatology” Finasteride may cause suicidal thoughts and mental side effects, especially in young people with hair loss.
5 citations,
November 2020 in “JAMA Dermatology” Finasteride may cause side effects; more research needed.
14 citations,
January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders” PFS might be a delusional disorder with potential to become mass psychogenic illness.
218 citations,
December 2011 in “Advances in Urology” The document concludes that the 5 alpha-reductase enzymes are important in steroid metabolism and related to various human diseases, with inhibitors used to treat conditions like male pattern baldness and prostate issues.
71 citations,
January 2004 in “Dermatology” Oral finasteride works better than topical minoxidil for hair growth, both are safe.
58 citations,
September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Male pattern hair loss caused by follicular miniaturization; early diagnosis and treatment can reduce psychological burden.
2 citations,
June 2004 in “PubMed” Carbamazepine caused hair loss in a man, which stopped after he stopped taking the drug.
12 citations,
February 2003 in “PubMed”
