Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Disorder
A substance use disorder involving a problematic pattern of anabolic-androgenic steroid use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Overview
Anabolic-androgenic steroid use disorder involves a problematic pattern of steroid use, often for muscle building or performance enhancement, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, including continued use despite physical or psychological harm.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include continued use despite adverse physical effects, mood changes such as irritability or aggression, and withdrawal symptoms such as depressed mood when stopping. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors include participation in strength-focused sports or bodybuilding, body image concerns such as muscle dysmorphia, and social or peer influence.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Behavioral treatment addressing underlying body image concerns and substance use patterns can help.
Medication
Medical evaluation is important given potential cardiovascular, hormonal, and psychiatric effects of steroid use. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use Disorder
Gradual, medically supervised discontinuation is generally recommended given withdrawal effects, including mood changes.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many individuals improve with a combination of medical monitoring and behavioral treatment addressing underlying motivations for use.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.