| Use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) has been associated with changes in mood, particularly increased anger, but also anxiety, mania, depression, confusion, vigor, and positive mood. Reports suggest a possible withdrawal syndrome occurring following AAS discontinuation. However, research has failed to account for other substances commonly used concurrently with AAS, especially thermogenic/ergogenic drugs (TEDs)-stimulants research has shown to be associated with the same mood effects attributed to AAS. An Internet survey with 130 male bodybuilders/weightlifters aged 19-57, asked them to report current mood and use of AAS and TEDs, in order to determine effects of AAS and TEDs on mood and also whether those who had recently discontinued AAS reported withdrawal. Mood was measured with the Profile of Mood States---Brief, Self-Report Manic Inventory, Spielberger State/Trait Anger Expression Inventory---Revised, and Positive Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire. Because sample size was insufficient to detect small effects, effect sizes were reported. There were small effects where those using AAS (within 2 weeks) reported less mania (ES = .015), vigor (ES = .025, p = .021), and anger (ES = .013) than those not using AAS. There were small effects where those using TEDs (within 24 hours) reported greater mania (ES = .018), anxiety (ES = .023, p = .019), depression (ES = .011), vigor (ES = .017), and confusion (ES = .016) than those not using TEDs. Those who had discontinued use of AAS 2 wks--2 mos ago reported less mania (ES = .032), anxiety (ES = .026), fatigue (ES = .020), and total mood disorder (ES = .014), as well as greater vigor (ES = .032), anger feelings (ES = .043), verbal anger (ES = .043), physical anger (ES =.014), and total anger (ES = .033) than others. This supported the theory that some mood effects associated with AAS may be caused by TEDs instead. There was no support for negative mood effects of AAS. There was no evidence that either TEDs or AAS contributed to increased anger, but there was evidence that AAS discontinuation may result in increased anger, although no evidence for a depressive withdrawal syndrome was found. |
