Finasteride-induced depression results in billions of dollars lost in productivity worldwide each year. These external costs, borne by third parties who cannot mitigate them, represent a market failure that should be addressed through regulation. Finasteride for hair loss would probably not receive approval today, and its marketing should now be halted under the precautionary principle. Meanwhile, doctors must inform patients about the drug’s serious side effects. Depression may persist even after stopping finasteride, which can be resistant to treatment and may lead to suicide. To ensure patient safety, this risky medication should be avoided, and alternative treatments should be recommended.
Brezis, MB. Mini Review Article: Finasteride-Induced Neuropsychiatric Reactions, February 27, 2026. https://doi.org/10.29245/2767-5092/2026/1.1212 [Journal of Dermatology and Skin Science]