NCJ Number
129854
Journal
Human Psychopharmacology Volume: 5 Dated: (1990) Pages: 349-356
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
The effects of high-dose anabolic steroids on mood states were investigated using six male strength athletes, three illicit anabolic steroid users and three nonsteroid users.
Abstract
Mood states were measured by a range of standardized psychological questionnaires. Each subject in the steroid user group was assessed four times: once off-drug, twice on-drug, and once again off-drug. All athletes were monitored over several months as they underwent normal training and competition routines. Steroid presence was monitored objectively by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Results demonstrated that steroid users tended to score higher than controls on the aggression factor but showed a significant increase in aggression during on-drug periods. There were also higher hostility scores for steroid users at all times. In addition to increased aggression and hostility, other behavioral effects included increased confidence and feelings of power. While drugs declared by athletes were confirmed in on-drug samples and most of the off-drug samples, clear steroid traces were apparent in some supposed off-drug sessions. This complicated data interpretation may partially explain why steroid users were significantly more hostile and aggressive than nonusers. Nonetheless, self-rated aggression increased significantly in steroid users during their acknowledged on-drug periods. Multiple drug use or "stacking" caused severe hostility and aggression. One steroid user admitted to attempted murder during a previous steroid-taking phase. 22 references, 3 tables, and 3 figures (Author abstract modified)