Association of Suicidality and Depression with 5α-Reductase Inhibitors

    August 2017 in “ ˜The œJournal of urology/˜The œjournal of urology ”
    Steven A. Kaplan
    TLDR 5α-reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.
    This study analyzed the mental health consequences of long-term use of 5α-reductase inhibitors in 93,197 men aged 66 or older in Ontario, Canada, from 2003 to 2013. It found no association between these inhibitors and an increase in suicide rates. However, there was a significant increase in the risks of self-harm and depression, particularly during the first 18 months of treatment. The study highlighted the need for healthcare providers to be more aware of the potential adverse effects of chronic medications and to counsel patients accordingly. The findings also raised questions about whether the observed mental health issues were due to the medication itself or the underlying condition being treated.
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