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Psychiatric effects of androgenic and anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse in men: a brief review of the literature

MRC Brain Metabolism Unit

A.H. Young

University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Park, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK

Drug abuse is common in sport and many athletes take large doses of anabolic-androgenic steroids. It has been suspected for some time that these drugs may have psychological effects. In the past, attempts have been made to demonstrate beneficial psychotropic effects. Recent literature suggests a high incidence of psychiatric morbidity in anabolic-androgenic steroid abusers. In addition, some anabolic-androgenic steroid abusers have been noted to exhibit addictive behaviour. Further study of this unique group who self-administer massive doses of synthetic male hormones is warranted.

Key Words: anabolic-androgenic steroids • addictive behaviour • psychiatric illness • drug abuse • review

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