Evidence for physical and psychological dependence on anabolic androgenic steroids in eight weight lifters

Article Abstract:

As the use of anabolic androgenic steroids has increased, so have reports of adverse effects, including mood disorders, aggression, and suicidal tendencies. The physical side effects of these drugs have included heart attacks, strokes, and liver disease. Anabolic androgenic steroids are used to enhance athletic performance and to improve the body's physical appearance. They are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, a male sex hormone. These drugs are typically used by athletes and bodybuilders who obtain them illegally and usually take higher doses than are considered safe. Few studies exist on the physical and psychological dependence that these drugs are also believed to cause. This aspect of anabolic androgenic steroid use was investigated by examining the patterns of use in eight weight lifters. The subjects were assured of confidentiality and completed questionnaires concerning their drug use. The average age of the respondents was 39 years old, and all the subjects were men. A minimum of two withdrawal symptoms associated with steroid use were reported by all of the subjects. The most common withdrawal symptoms were depression, fatigue, decreased sex drive, insomnia, anorexia, and the desire for more steroids. Seven out of the eight subjects reported that despite adverse side effects, they continued to take more steroids. The criteria for dependency as set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, third edition, revised, were met by six of the subjects. Although the more prominent withdrawal symptoms were psychological, physical dependency was also evident. This study was limited by the small sample group, but provides substantial evidence that physical and psychological dependence can result from the use of anabolic androgenic steroids. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Weight lifters, Drug use, Drug abuse, Anabolic steroids

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Age at onset in late-life delusional depression

Article Abstract:

Delusions that are symptomatic of mental illness manifest as false beliefs inconsistent with a patient's reason and reality. It has been reported that late-life depression is more often accompanied with delusions. This study evaluated 109 patients over age 60 with major depression who were consecutively admitted to a psychiatric treatment unit. Thirty-nine cases were diagnosed as delusional and 70 as nondelusional depressions. The delusional patients had more previous hospitalizations, but no other significant differences were found. The average age at onset of depression was not related to delusional symptoms. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Aged, Elderly, Research, Demographic aspects, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Delusions

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