Selected Psychological Characteristics of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users

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Abstract
Although psychological and behavioral effects associated with the administration of anabolic-androgenic steroids were first noted 50 years ago,1 recent reports suggest that affective and psychotic syndromes, some of violent proportions, may result from steroid use.2 , 3 Cases have been reported in which the presumed psychological and behavioral effects of steroids are alleged to have substantially influenced the commission of criminal acts.4 , 5 This legal strategy has been identified by the popular press as the "dumbbell defense."6 The purported behavioral effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids, the consequent legislative and educational requirements, and the growing numbers of competitive and recreational athletes of both sexes and various ages using steroids prompted us to examine several selected psychological characteristics (aggression/hostility and tension/anxiety) thought to be associated with steroid use.

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