RESUMO
The emerging epidemic of anabolic-androgenic steroid use, no longer confined to elite athletes, is associated with adverse health consequences for which users may seek treatment. As with other forms of drug abuse, patients may deny or hide their use of steroids while seeking treatment for bothersome side effects or other problems. Thus, clinicians may increasingly, but unknowingly, see patients who are using steroids. Early detection and treatment of steroid abuse and dependence is critical in order to prevent serious and potentially fatal consequences. Therefore, it is incumbent upon clinicians to know the signs and symptoms of using steroids, and to be familiar with the clinical indications for urine testing. Using case examples, the authors review the assessment of steroid abuse and dependence in clinical practice and illustrate the role of urine testing in the assessment process.
Assuntos
Anabolizantes , Detecção do Abuso de Substâncias/métodos , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/diagnóstico , Congêneres da Testosterona , Adulto , Anabolizantes/farmacocinética , Cocaína/efeitos adversos , Humanos , Testes de Função Hepática , Masculino , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/reabilitação , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/urina , Congêneres da Testosterona/efeitos adversos , Congêneres da Testosterona/farmacocinética , Levantamento de PesoRESUMO
All eight users of anabolic androgenic steroids in a pilot survey of weight lifters reported withdrawal symptoms and continued steroid use despite adverse consequences. Psychiatric (especially, depressive) symptoms were prominent in dependent users, underscoring the importance of diagnosing steroid dependence in clinical practice.
