Anabolic-androgenic steroid use and psychopathology in athletes. A systematic review.

Abstract in brief

• Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is increasingly common among athletes for performance and body image reasons, and abuse can lead to psychiatric issues such as mood disorders, eating disorders, and muscle dysmorphia.
• The relationship between AAS use and mental health is complex, with questions about whether steroids cause psychiatric problems by changing brain function or whether individuals with existing vulnerabilities are more likely to use these drugs.
• There is still limited understanding of why athletes choose to use AASs, and studies on how these steroids affect anxiety and psychosis are inconsistent, highlighting the need for further research on the psychological factors involved.]