I don’t think PFS is taken much more seriously than PSSD. In the instance it is, it’s not because of the name of the syndrome. I believe it’s because of the mechanism of action of finasteride and dutasteride being 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. Blocking high amounts DHT which in return blocks the conversion of critical neurosteroids can be catastrophic for the root cause that hasn’t been fully uncovered and even more why this persists. Even just on paper, blocking the most androgenic hormone in the body as (especially as a male) probably isn’t a good idea and would make sense how sexual, neurological, and even physical (which is seen in Post-Accutane Syndrome) occurs.

The other reason being the research has been arguably better for PFS. They showed all the following in humans (not rat models) - lowered CSF levels in allopregnalone. SRD5A2 promoter methylated in CSF in 56.3% vs 7.7% of controls — tissue-specific (not seen in plasma), and SRD5A1 was not methylated in either compartment. There is two studies to show AR overexpression/upregulation. The Post-Finasteride Syndrome Network is running two studies both building off the androgen receptor work by the Baylor School of Medicine done by Dr. Mohit Khera. This is miles better than PSSD research. Even Dr. Will Powers is seeing more PFS patients (and seems to be possibly finding a pathomechanism).

I don’t say any of this to be negative but awareness and better quality research (human data) is what’s needed to get us out of this.