“Roid rage” is a term that carries some controversy. Some experts and fitness websites argue that roid rage doesn’t exist, or that steroids aren’t related to aggression. But many medical studies and research have shown a link. Read on to learn about the many psychiatric symptoms related to steroids.
What is roid rage?
The term “roid” in roid rage is an abbreviation of the word “steroid.” The steroids referred to are anabolic-androgenic steroids, also called anabolic steroids. People sometimes use these steroids to enhance athletic performance and increase lean muscle. They’re different from prescription steroids used for medical conditions.
Roid rage is a phenomenon of anger and agitation that occurs with steroid use. Many studies have compared the behavior of people who use steroids with those who don’t. They show that people who use steroids show more irritability and unprovoked aggression. Steroid use also increases the risk for other psychological problems, which we get into a little later.
Do steroids make people aggressive?
Some people use steroids and have no side effects. But some people have severe side effects, including violent behavior toward other people. More specifically, people who use steroids have reported more:
- Anger
- Verbal arguments
- Violence toward significant others
But there are reasons why it’s not possible to say that steroids cause aggression by themselves. Some experts have identified other trends in aggression with steroid use. Aggressive behavior while taking steroids could be partially explained by:
- The personality type of the average person who uses steroids
- Overlapping substance use
- Pre-existing psychiatric conditions
Which steroids lead to roid rage?
Anabolic steroids cause the anger and aggression known as roid rage. These aren’t the same as corticosteroids like prednisone.
Corticosteroids are similar to cortisol and other natural hormones in the body. They’re used for many different types of medical reasons. Corticosteroids also carry a risk of emotional and behavior problems, but not in the same way as anabolic steroids.
Anabolic steroids are similar to the body’s hormone testosterone. They build lean muscle and make some people stronger or faster. They’re also known as “appearance and performance-enhancing drugs.” Doses of these drugs are in the range of 5 to 100 times the amount of natural testosterone in the body. Dosages can be 250 mg/week to 5,000 mg/week.
Anabolic steroids come in several forms, including:
- Pills
- Injections
- Gels and creams
- Implanted pellets
Testosterone is often the active ingredient in gels, creams, and pellets. Pills and injections have a variety of testosterone-like drugs, though.
The most commonly used steroids in pill form are:
- Methandienone (Dianabol)
- Oxandrolone (Anavar)
- Oxymetholone (Anadrol)
- Stanozolol (Winstrol)
- Testosterone (Restandol)
Commonly injected steroids include:
- Nandrolone (Deca-Durabolin and Durabolin)
- Testosterone (Agovirin, Depo-Testosterone, and Retandrol)
- Boldenone (Equipoise)
What to do if someone has roid rage?
If someone you know is showing roid rage, don’t confront them while they’re angry. Emotions and situations can change quickly.
Think about the safety of yourself and others. Consider alerting authorities if circumstances are dangerous. If you’re close to the person, you may want to encourage them to seek the help of a mental health provider. And it’s important to seek help for your own mental health if their behavior upsets you.
If you’re experiencing roid rage, seek help from your regular healthcare provider or a mental health provider. And get emergency medical care if you have:
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Erratic or impulsive behavior that doesn’t feel like you
- Dolor torácico
- Racing heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe headache
Any concern that your physical or mental safety is in danger.
Anabolic steroids are linked with many psychiatric problems. Roid rage is when a person using steroids becomes aggressive and irritable. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but it can lead to violence and other health problems.
If you or someone you know has roid rage, it’s best to get professional care for your mental health. A mental health professional can help you stop using steroids, and also treat any associated psychiatric symptoms.
