Eating disorders and anabolic androgenic steroids in males - similarities and differences in self-image and psychiatric symptoms

Abstract

BackgroundBody dissatisfaction is common among both females and males. Dissatisfaction with the body is a risk factor both for onset of eating disorders and for abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Few studies have however investigated if there are other similarities in respect to self-image or psychiatric symptoms between clinical samples of eating disordered males and males in treatment for negative effects of AAS use.AimThe aim of this study was to compare two clinical samples, one of males with ED and one of males who used AAS, regarding self-image and psychiatric symptoms.MethodsThis study compared males with eating disorders (n = 13) and males who recently stopped AAS use (n = 29) on self-image and psychiatric symptoms, using The Structural Analysis of Social Behavior self-questionnaire and a shortened version of The Symptom Check List.ResultsThe eating disorder group reported significantly lower scores for Self-emancipation and Active self-love and higher scores for Self-blame and Self-hate. Both groups reported serious psychiatric symptoms. The common denominator between groups was serious psychiatric symptomatology rather than negative self-image.ConclusionsThe negative self-image profile, especially self-hate, found among males with Eating Disorders may indicate that the studied groups differ in aetiology of the underlying problems. The serious psychiatric symptoms in both groups call staff to pay attention to any thoughts of suicide due to severe depressive symptoms where by specialized psychiatric treatment may be needed.

Anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in the United Kingdom: An update

“…Muscle dysmorphia is a psychiatric condition (classified under the conditions DSM‐5 300.7 ICD‐10 F22.8b, American Psychiatric Association, ), where the sufferer is obsessively and compulsively driven towards achieving a lean and muscular body. Also known as “reverse anorexia nervosa,” it is a fear of being too small (Björk et al, ). It usually manifests in careful eating with excessive weightlifting, and sufferers often use anabolic androgenic steroids.…”

“…It usually manifests in careful eating with excessive weightlifting, and sufferers often use anabolic androgenic steroids. In those suffering muscle dysmorphia, body satisfaction is unlikely to improve with anabolic androgenic steroid use (Heimly Jenssen & Johannessen, ) and anabolic androgenic steroids have actually been implicated in the development and maintenance of the disorder (Björk et al, ).…”

Eating Disorders, Addictions and Substance Use Disorders

“…In a study of Polish adolescents, risk factors for using AAS for males most often included concerns with physical appearance (Rachon, Pokrywka, & Suchecka-Rachon, 2006). When comparing males with ED to males who recently stopped using AAS, groups were similar for the occurrence of serious psychiatric illness; however, the ED group had more severe concerns with self-image (Bjork, Skargberg, & Engstrom, 2013). When comparing males with ED to males who recently stopped using AAS, groups were similar for the occurrence of serious psychiatric illness; however, the ED group had more severe concerns with self-image (Bjork, Skargberg, & Engstrom, 2013).…”

Social Work Implications of Anabolic–Androgenic Steroid Use, Particularly Among Young People: A Literature Review

“…AAS users had a similar prevalence of psychiatric symptomatology, e.g. anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity and obsessive-compulsive behaviour as men with eating disorders, but did not share the same negative self-image (Björk, Skårberg, and Engström 2013). Potentially, seeing their muscles develop as a result of exercise and AAS use had helped them overcome previous negative selfimages.…”