Steroid 5α-Reductase as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Schizophrenia and Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders

    January 2011 in “ Current Pharmaceutical Design ”
    S Paba, Roberto Frau, Sean C. Godar, Paola Devoto, Francesco Marrosu, Marco Bortolato
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    TLDR S5αR inhibitors might help treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders but need more research.
    The document from 2011 explores the potential of steroid 5α-reductase (S5αR) inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride, in treating neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and impulse control disorders. These inhibitors are already used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and male-pattern hair loss, with finasteride having limited side effects. Preliminary data suggest that S5αR inhibitors could be effective in conditions with dopaminergic hyperreactivity. The paper reviews evidence supporting the role of S5αR in mental disorders and its influence on neurotransmission and behavior. It also discusses the enzyme's role in steroidogenesis and its distribution in the brain. However, the effectiveness of S5αR inhibitors in neuropsychiatric disorders is not conclusive and requires further research.
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