Authors' objectives:

The aim of this report was to review the scientific literature on the use of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) in order to elucidate whether there is a connection between such use and aggressive/violent behaviour.

Authors' recommendations: There is good evidence that low doses influence the level of aggressiveness only slightly or not at all. There is no evidence that moderate doses (75-200mg AAS daily orally or 50-100mg daily as injection) increase aggressiveness No studies have been done with different AAS concurrently or used repeatedly over long periods of time. The doses used in the experimental studies are far lower than doses used by many athlethes. Accordingly, there is no evidence based on experiments of the effect of such regimens or doses. In the experimental studies using the highest doses there is some evidence that high doses of AAS in some individuals may trigger mania or hypomania, mental states that may include increased aggressiveness. In the population studies there is a clear association between the use of AAS, aggressiveness and violence (both as perpetrator and as victim). It is not clear whether there is any causal connection. In the subcultures with much use of AAS there is also more use of alcohol and illicit drugs, more high-risk behaviour and more acceptance of violent behaviour. There exist some case series and a number of case reports describing persons who have used AAS and performed violent acts. However, these publications are purely descriptive and do not give good evidence on causality.

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nokc.no/

Year Published: 2004

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Norway

Organisation Name: Norwegian Institute of Public Health

Contact Address: Universitetsgata 2, Postbox 7004 St. Olavs plass, NO-0310 Oslo NORWAY. Tel: +47 23 25 50 00; Fax: +47 23 25 50 10;

Contact Name: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Contact Email: Berit.Morland@nokc.no, dagny.fredheim@nokc.no

Copyright: The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services