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Steroids, psychosis and poly-substance abuse

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 October 2014

R. M. Duffy  and
B. D. Kelly
R. M. Duffy*
Affiliation:
Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
B. D. Kelly
Affiliation:
Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: R. M. Duffy, Department of Adult Psychiatry, University College Dublin, 63 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Ireland. (Email: duffyrm@gmail.com)
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Abstract

Objective

To review consequences of the changing demographic profile of anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use.

Method

Case report and review of key papers.

Results

We report here a case of a 19-year-old Irish male presenting with both medical and psychiatric side effects of methandrostenolone use. The man had a long-standing history of harmful cannabis use, but had not experienced previous psychotic symptoms. Following use of methandrostenolone, he developed rhabdomyolysis and a psychotic episode with homicidal ideation.

Discussion

Non-medical AAS use is a growing problem associated with medical, psychiatric and forensic risks. The population using these drugs has changed with the result of more frequent poly-substance misuse, potentially exacerbating these risks.

Conclusion

A higher index of suspicion is needed for AAS use. Medical personnel need to be aware of the potential side effects of their use, including the risk of violence. Research is needed to establish the magnitude of the problem in Ireland.

Keywords

Affective disordersanabolic-androgenic steroidsanabolic steroidspsychosesrhabdomyolysis
Type
Case Report
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 32 , Issue 2 , June 2015 , pp. 227 - 230
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2014 

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