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Psychological Terms — Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are a class of synthetic hormones designed to stimulate growth of muscle tissue and enhance physical performance. They are structurally related to testosterone and work by entering cells, binding to androgen receptors, and increasing protein synthesis, thus promoting muscle fiber enlargement and recovery. Because they build tissue (anabolic effect), these compounds have therapeutic value for conditions involving wasting or catabolism — for example, in AIDS-related muscle loss or certain forms of anemia.
In the behavioral sciences, anabolic steroids are also studied for their psychological effects. Short-term positive effects may include increased energy, confidence, and sense of well-being; however, long-term or heavy use is strongly associated with negative psychological outcomes. These include depression, irritability, aggression, delusions of grandeur, and paranoid thinking. Overuse may contribute to impulsivity and violence, colloquially termed “roid rage.”
Common examples include nandrolone, drostanolone, oxymetholone, and stanozolol. While some AAS are injectable and slow-acting, others are taken orally for more rapid effects. Misuse often involves cycling, stacking multiple steroids, or using escalating doses. Physiologically, anabolic steroids can damage the liver, elevate blood pressure, disrupt reproductive hormones, and increase cardiovascular risk.
Though sometimes used interchangeably, the term anabolic steroid is slightly broader than anabolic androgenic steroid, which emphasizes additional masculinizing effects.
Anabolic steroids are a class of synthetic hormones designed to stimulate growth of muscle tissue and enhance physical performance. They are structurally related to testosterone and work by entering cells, binding to androgen receptors, and increasing protein synthesis, thus promoting muscle fiber enlargement and recovery. Because they build tissue (anabolic effect), these compounds have therapeutic value for conditions involving wasting or catabolism — for example, in AIDS-related muscle loss or certain forms of anemia.
In the behavioral sciences, anabolic steroids are also studied for their psychological effects. Short-term positive effects may include increased energy, confidence, and sense of well-being; however, long-term or heavy use is strongly associated with negative psychological outcomes. These include depression, irritability, aggression, delusions of grandeur, and paranoid thinking. Overuse may contribute to impulsivity and violence, colloquially termed “roid rage.”
Common examples include nandrolone, drostanolone, oxymetholone, and stanozolol. While some AAS are injectable and slow-acting, others are taken orally for more rapid effects. Misuse often involves cycling, stacking multiple steroids, or using escalating doses. Physiologically, anabolic steroids can damage the liver, elevate blood pressure, disrupt reproductive hormones, and increase cardiovascular risk.
Though sometimes used interchangeably, the term anabolic steroid is slightly broader than anabolic androgenic steroid, which emphasizes additional masculinizing effects.
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