EXCESSIVE USE OF ANABOLISTS AND ITS PSYCHIATRIC REPERCUSSIONS

Abstract

Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances derived from testosterone, which have androgenic and anabolic effects on the body. They are used by athletes and physical activity practitioners to increase muscle mass, strength and sports performance. However, the excessive and indiscriminate use of these substances can have serious consequences for the physical and mental health of users. Among psychiatric complications, mood, anxiety, personality, sleep, cognition, sexuality and dependence disorders stand out. Furthermore, the use of anabolic steroids may be associated with aggressive, violent and suicidal behavior. Objective: to analyze scientific studies that addressed the psychiatric repercussions of excessive use of anabolic steroids in humans. Methodology: A search was carried out in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the following descriptors: “anabolic steroids”, “psychiatric disorders”, “mental health”, “psychological effects”, “mood disorders”. Articles published in the last 10 years, in Portuguese or English, that evaluated the psychiatric aspects of the use of anabolic steroids in humans, using standardized instruments or clinical diagnoses, were included. Articles that did not specifically address the proposed topic, that used animals as research subjects or that presented low methodological quality were excluded. The selection of studies was based on the PRISMA checklist. Results: 10 articles were found that met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were carried out in developed countries, with a predominance of young men as participants. The results showed that the use of anabolic steroids is related to a greater prevalence and severity of psychiatric disorders, especially depression, mania, anxiety, psychosis and dependence. Furthermore, anabolic steroid users showed changes in personality, sleep, cognition and sexuality, as well as a greater propensity for aggressive, violent and suicidal behavior. The neurobiological mechanisms involved in these changes are not yet fully understood, but they involve the modulation of the dopaminergic, serotonergic, GABAergic and opioid systems. Conclusion: Excessive use of anabolic steroids has serious psychiatric repercussions for users, compromising their mental health and quality of life. Greater recognition of this problem by health professionals and society in general is necessary, as well as the implementation of appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures.