Mental Effects of Steroids.

[THE BOUNCER]

Was wondering what you guys think of this article. There is one part that I have never heard before.

"Before more effective drugs were available, AAS had been used in the treatment of depression and other mental disorders."



Some authorities suggest AAS may have the potential for physical and psychological dependency (Yesalis, Wright, & Bahrke, 1989). Yet, Di Pasquale (1992b) states,"Unlike illicit drugs, which have strong psychogenic effects, anabolic steroids are not psychoactive compounds and are not physically or psychologically addictive."

Before more effective drugs were available, AAS had been used in the treatment of depression and other mental disorders. Anabolic-androgenic steroid use has been associated with self-reported changes in mood, behavior, and somatic perceptions. In addition, they have been shown to alter electroencephalogram readings similar to those seen with amphetamines and tricyclic antidepressants. Case reports of hypomania, and schizophrenic and psychotic episodes has been noted during use of AAS. Yet, no objective measures of hostility have been documented in humans (Bahrke, Barke, & Strauss, 1990).

AAS may increase arousal, increase self-confidence and pain threshold. This phenomena could lead to the expression of aggression at inappropriate times in the absence of adequate external forces, internal discipline or social coping skills (Bahrke et al 1990).

Increased aggression and irritability have been reported by individuals using AAS, as well as by their family and friends. Although, it has been argued that the many subjectively perceived psychological and behavioral changes by AAS users are a result of expectancy, imitation or role modeling (Bahrke et al 1990). The ability of a AAS to aromatize may play a factor in its effectiveness to promote aggression (Bahrke, Yesalis, & Wright, 1990).

Weightlifters who self-administered AAS reported significantly higher anger-hostility score on the POMS questionnaire (McNair et al, 1971) immediately after weight training than did weightlifters who did not use AAS. No differences were apparent immediately before or 30 minutes after an exercise bout (Bahrke et al 1990).

Wright et al (1986) found that the POMS did not confirm a difference of mood states between current AAS users and former AAS users although both groups reported changes in enthusiasm, aggression, irritability, insomnia, muscle size, and libido when using AAS.

The effects of AAS on social behavior in the cynomolgus monkey was studied. Testosterone cypionate and testosterone propionate was administered in dosages equivalent to 2 mg/kg of body weight every 2 weeks and 4 mg/kg of body weight every week, respectively, for 8 weeks. Behavior data suggested that the experimental treatment caused dominate monkeys to exhibit increases in dominate behavior and subordinate monkeys manifested increased submission. In addition, treated monkeys also demonstrated less affiliative behaviors such as play, grooming activities, and body contact. After an 8-week recovery period, dominate/submissive behaviors returned to pretest levels, although most affiliative behaviors failed to rebound in this time except for play which actually exceeded pretest levels (Rejeski, Gregg, Kaplan, & Manuck 1990).

[redback]

I would agree, the stuff does have a massive psychological effect, specifically high doses of test. Makes you feel like superman, this is why you see the pro's getting all these crazy tatts, lee priest, flex...didnt lee get his face tattooed lol, the stuff makes you crazy on those doses

[gymratin]

yeah the part about being prescribed for depression and mental disorders ( i had definetly never heard that) everything else sounds accurate

[wnabeabeast]

Originally Posted by redback

I would agree, the stuff does have a massive psychological effect, specifically high doses of test. Makes you feel like superman

Yep agreed.

[Gator_Mclusky]

Im alot happier when Im on for sure. Its an anti-depressant in itsself!!!!

Good read!

[THE BOUNCER]

Originally Posted by gymratin

yeah the part about being prescribed for depression and mental disorders ( i had definetly never heard that) everything else sounds accurate

thats what i was wondering. has anyone else ever heard it was prescribed for depression?

[redback]

Originally Posted by THE BOUNCER

thats what i was wondering. has anyone else ever heard it was prescribed for depression?

never heard of it but it would make sense

[house1]

Originally Posted by THE BOUNCER

thats what i was wondering. has anyone else ever heard it was prescribed for depression?

bouncer i couldnt see it ! it does make you feel good the flip side is soon as you come off i feel you would fall into a deeper depression -

so you love the feeling of being on not off now it becomes an addiction to me it would be counter productive

[THE BOUNCER]

Originally Posted by house1

bouncer i couldnt see it ! it does make you feel good the flip side is soon as you come off i feel you would fall into a deeper depression -

so you love the feeling of being on not off now it becomes an addiction to me it would be counter productive

I would agree with that.

I am thinking that they experimented with it awhile ago. We never heard anything because when the people came off, they all killed themselves.

[Mr incredible]

There are definately phsycological effects, for me being on I feel happier in myself, being on dosages above say 500mg test per week and I feel a haze of aggression and react more to sitiations.

Being off I feel down and vunerable which makes me less confident. Being on like I am now is best; 130mg test per week, var, primo, proviron.

Really the effects (phsycologocal) are all governed by the androgenic aspect.

I think another aspect that isn't talked about is how you interact with other people and they with you when on, off, different doses. Too little I feel people walk over me and think too much about stuff, too much I feel people are afraid and I'm probably more tended towards ignorance (both no good), just enough and its all good.

At the end of the day IMO the closer you are to a 19 year olds endocrine system the better you feel physically and mentally.