Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring hormone testosterone. They are used to increase muscle mass and strength, but they can also have significant effects on the brain.
The effects of anabolic steroids in the brain are primarily mediated through androgen receptors. Androgen receptors are proteins found on the surface of brain cells. Anabolic steroids bind to these receptors and alter intracellular signaling.
The main effects of anabolic steroids in the brain are
Impaired attention and concentration: Anabolic steroids can cause impaired attention and concentration. This is especially seen with long-term use or high doses.
Anger and aggression: Anabolic steroids can increase anger and aggression. This is particularly pronounced in adolescents and people prone to violence.
Depression and anxiety: Anabolic steroids can cause depression and anxiety. This is particularly common with long-term use or high doses.
Cognitive impairment: Anabolic steroids can cause cognitive impairment. This can lead to impaired memory, learning and decision-making abilities.
The effects of anabolic steroids on the brain can vary depending on the duration of use and dosage, as well as the age and general health of the user.
Research shows that the effects of anabolic steroids on the brain can be long-lasting. Problems such as impaired attention and concentration, anger and aggression, depression and anxiety may persist in anabolic steroid users even after discontinuation of steroid use.
The effects of anabolic steroids on the brain can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, the use of anabolic steroids is strongly discouraged.
The effects of anabolic steroids in the brain:
It is primarily mediated through androgen receptors. Androgen receptors are proteins found on the surface of brain cells. Anabolic steroids bind to these receptors and alter intracellular signaling.
The main effects of anabolic steroids in the brain are
Impaired attention and concentration: Anabolic steroids can cause impaired attention and concentration. This is especially seen with long-term use or high doses.
Anger and aggression: Anabolic steroids can increase anger and aggression. This is particularly pronounced in adolescents and people prone to violence.
Depression and anxiety: Anabolic steroids can cause depression and anxiety. This is particularly common with long-term use or high doses.
Cognitive impairment: Anabolic steroids can cause cognitive impairment. This can lead to impaired memory, learning and decision-making abilities.
The effects of anabolic steroids on the brain can vary depending on the duration of use and dosage, as well as the age and general health of the user.
Research shows that the effects of anabolic steroids on the brain can be long-lasting. Problems such as impaired attention and concentration, anger and aggression, depression and anxiety may persist in anabolic steroid users even after discontinuation of steroid use.
The effects of anabolic steroids on the brain can lead to serious health problems. Therefore, the use of anabolic steroids is strongly discouraged.
Psychiatric problems
Continuous consumption of anabolic steroids in pills, injectables or creams over time also affects mental health. Brain deterioration is always associated with psychiatric problems.
An article published in the journal Scientific Reports states that the use of these synthetic substances is linked to risky behaviors and problems regulating anger.
Most striking is the display of psychopathic behavior. Although this data needs to be confirmed by more studies, it is a remarkable finding. In the long term, these individuals most commonly suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Therapies to treat anabolic steroid addiction and improve brain health
Anabolic steroids alter the brain and lead the individual to a state of great psychosocial exhaustion. This addiction puts users’ lives at risk and affects their psychiatric condition. Their level of aggression affects their environment and traps them in mental states of pain and despair.
One way to address these self-defeating dynamics is through cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy. Support from other medical professionals, such as nutritionists, is also recommended. This is because these men and women take many vitamin supplements that completely change their diet.
Other strategies to improve brain health after using anabolic steroids
The brain is highly plastic. While psychological therapy and cognitive training support recovery in patients dependent on anabolic steroid consumption, there are other strategies they can implement immediately. These are as follows:
- Getting support from relatives
- Understand that they may experience ups and downs
- Finding new interests
- Initiate cognitive stimulation programs
- Individual and group psychological therapies
- Acknowledging that you have an addiction problem
- Starting treatments recommended by nutritionists
- Setting aside stimuli that encourage steroid use
Finally, the individual should not give up and should work daily to improve their mental and physical health. Change is always possible.
