Neurosteroids, Neuroactive Steroids, and Symptoms of Affective Disorders

    B. Dubrovsky
    Image of study
    TLDR Certain steroids in the brain affect mood and symptoms of depression, and treatments targeting these steroids show promise for improving these symptoms.
    The document from 2006 explores the relationship between neuroactive steroids (NAS) and neurosteroids (NS) with affective disorders, particularly depression. It indicates that NAS modulate various membrane receptors, such as GABA and sigma receptor complexes, and can influence symptoms like anxiety, sleep disturbances, and memory and sexual dysfunctions. The paper reports that NAS plasma concentrations change in patients with depression and return to normal with recovery, although normalization is not necessary for successful therapy. It also discusses the effects of Finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, which has been linked to mood disturbances in humans; 19 out of 23 patients with alopecia treated with Finasteride reported symptoms of depression, which subsided after discontinuing the treatment. The document suggests that focusing on NAS in relation to psychiatric symptoms rather than specific disorders may be more productive for understanding and treating psychiatric ailments. It also notes the potential therapeutic effects of DHEAS in depressive syndromes, with clinical studies showing symptom improvement. Lastly, the paper critiques the use of NAS levels as specific markers for psychiatric disorders and calls for a better understanding of brain organization and the interaction between affective and cognitive behaviors.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 8 results

      community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

      in Research/Science  230 upvotes 1 year ago
      Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

      community risks with finasteride and dutasteride

      in Research/Science  142 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.

      community Why is Kevin Mann (Haircafe) Hated?

      in Chat  62 upvotes 2 years ago
      Hair loss treatments, including microneedling, minoxidil, finasteride and RU58841; the efficacy of these treatments; criticisms of Kevin Mann's content related to his selective data presentation and biases towards certain treatments; and other topics such as DHT being labeled a "trash hormone" and critiques of other hairloss YouTubers.

    Similar Research

    5 / 325 results