Steroid Use May Be Connected To Increased Violence In U.S. Young Adult Males

Main Category: Psychology / Psychiatry
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness;  Men's health
Article Date: 16 Oct 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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Young male adults who used anabolic-androgenic steroids reported greater involvement in violent behaviors, such as shooting or stabbing someone, according to a new study.

In a nationally representative sample of 6,283 young adult U.S. males, researchers examined the relationship between anabolic-androgenic steroid use and involvement in different types of violent behavior. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are muscle-building synthetic compounds closely related to make sex hormones and legally available only by prescription. The study controlled for the effects of key demographic variables, previous violent behavior, and other drug use. Researchers concluded that the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids is related to heightened levels of violent behaviors.

The study's authors stated, "the current research suggests that the media attention and public concern surrounding anabolic-androgenic steroid use may be justified given its association with violence among males in the United States."

"Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Use and Involvement in Violent Behavior in a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Adult Males in the United States"
Kevin M. Beaver, Michael G. Vaughn , Matt DeLisi , John Paul Wright
American Journal of Public Health, 10.2105/AJPH.2008.137018
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