Anabolic steroids have psychological as well as physical effects.(1,2) The steroid abuser is more likely to experiences mood swings including euphoria and feelings of violence, and suicidal tendencies than his or her peers of the same sex and age.(2-7) These effects appear to stop after steroids are stopped, but it is unknown whether there is any permanent psychological change because no long-term studies of steroid effects on personality have been done.(8) Some researchers think that the feelings of euphoria, aggressiveness, and reduced fatigue caused by anabolic steroids motivate steroid abusers to work out harder and more often than their non-steroid-using counterparts.(4,7,9-11) They believe this is the real reason for increases in muscle mass by steroid abusers. High doses of steroids may alter a person's self-image and produce changes in behavior.(2,10-12) Weight-lifting steroid abusers who were evaluated with a standardized psychological test were found to have antisocial personality traits similar to those of alcoholics.(2,3) In one study, all but one subject described (roid Rage) "frequent episodes of temper outbursts, arguments, shouting or throwing objects, and having urges to beat, injure or harm others. . .."(2) Personality changes associated with anabolic steroid abuse have led to violence and the deaths of innocent bystanders.(10,13) In one review of such cases, (10) a weightlifter on steroids abducted and murdered a hitchhiker on impulse.(10) Another steroid user abducted a female store clerk on a whim and shot her when she tried to escape.(10) In a third case, a steroid abuser convinced a friend to help him plant an explosive device under his former fiancee's car. Fortunately, she was unhurt when they detonated it.(10) In another case, a steroid abuser burglarized three homes and set them afire, leading to $141,000 in property damages.(14) In each of these cases, there was no prior history of violence. Personalities returned to normal when steroids were stopped.(10,14)
REFERENCES 1. Moore WV. Anabolic steroid use in adolescence. J Am Med Assoc 1988 Dec 16;260(23):3484-6. 2. Perry PJ, Andersen KH, Yates WR. Illicit anabolic steroid use in athletes - a case series analysis. Am J Sports Med 1990 Jul-Aug;18(4):422-8. 3. Yates WR, Perry PJ, Andersen KH. Illicit anabolic steroid use - a controlled personality study. Acta Psychiatr Scand 1990 Jun;81(6):548-50. 4. Wagner JC. Abuse of drugs used to enhance athletic performance. American Journal Of Hospital Pharmacy 1989 Oct;46:2059-67. 5. Brower KJ, Eliopulos GA, Blow FC, Catlin DH, Beresford TP. Evidence for physical and psychological dependence on anabolic androgenic steroids in 8 weight lifters. American Journal Of Psychiatry 1990 Apr;147(4):510-2. 6. Council on Scientific Affairs. Drug abuse in athletes. J Am Med Assoc 1988 Mar 18;259(11):1703-5. 7. Kibble MW, Ross MB. Adverse effects of anabolic steroids in athletes. Clinical Pharmacy 1987 Sep;6:686-92. 8. Yesalis CE, Wright JE, Bahrke MS. Epidemiological and policy issues in the measurement of the long term health effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids. Sports Medicine 1989 Sep;8(3):129-38. 9. Kashkin KB, Kleber HD. Hooked on hormones - an anabolic steroid addiction hypothesis. J Am Med Assoc 1989 Dec 8;262(22):3166-70. 10. Pope HG, Katz DL. Homicide and near-homicide by anabolic steroid users. Journal Of Clinical Psychiatry 1990 Jan;51(1):28-31. 11. Brooks RV. Anabolic steroids and athletes. Phys Sportsmed 1980 Mar;8(3):161-3. 12. Hays LR, Littleton S, Stillner V. Anabolic steroid dependence. Am J Psychiatry 1990;147(1):122. 13. Conacher GN, Workman DG. Violent crime possibly associated with anabolic steroid use. American Journal Of Psychiatry 1989 May;146(5):679. 14. Kleinman CC. Forensic issues arising from the use of anabolic steroids. Psychiatric Annals 1990 Apr;20(4):219-21. by Trent Tschirgi, R. Ph.
