Do Steroids Make You More Aggressive? Examining the ‘Roid Rage’ Myth

Steroids have long been linked to aggressive behavior, with the term “roid rage” becoming a popular way to describe outbursts of anger and violence supposedly caused by anabolic steroid use. But is there real scientific evidence to support this claim, or is it just another fitness industry myth? While anabolic steroids do impact the brain and hormones, their connection to aggression is more complex than the media portrays.

This article will explore the origins of the roid rage myth, what scientific research actually says about steroids and aggression, and how other factors like personality and dosage play a role in behavior changes.

The Origins of the ‘Roid Rage’ Myth

The concept of roid rage first gained attention in the 1980s and 1990s when media reports began linking steroid use to violent behavior. Several high-profile criminal cases involved individuals using anabolic steroids, leading to speculation that these substances were responsible for increased aggression. The idea that steroids could turn otherwise calm individuals into uncontrollable, violent offenders quickly spread, despite limited scientific evidence supporting this claim.

One of the earliest studies on this topic was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 1996. The study suggested that high doses of anabolic steroids could contribute to mood swings and irritability, but the evidence for extreme aggression was inconsistent. Despite this, sensationalized reports in the news and entertainment media solidified the image of the raging steroid user.

At the same time, law enforcement agencies and policymakers began using the concept of roid rage to push for stricter steroid regulations. In 1990, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act was passed in the United States, classifying steroids as a Schedule III controlled substance. This further reinforced the idea that these substances were not only dangerous for health but also a potential cause of violent behavior. The stigma surrounding steroid use grew, and the concept of roid rage became widely accepted, despite conflicting scientific findings.

How the Myth Spread

Several factors contributed to the widespread belief in roid rage.

• Sensationalized media coverage often linked steroid use to violent crimes without solid scientific backing.
• Early studies lacked large sample sizes and often relied on self-reported data, which can be unreliable.
• Anti-steroid campaigns emphasized potential dangers, sometimes exaggerating the psychological effects.
• Hollywood also played a role in cementing the stereotype. Movies and TV shows have frequently depicted steroid users as uncontrollable and violent, further reinforcing the idea in the public mind.
• High-profile cases of athletes and bodybuilders involved in violent incidents while on steroids fueled public fear, even if other factors were at play.

These influences created a lasting perception that steroids and aggression go hand in hand, even though modern research suggests a more nuanced reality.

What Science Says About Steroids and Aggression

Scientific research on the connection between steroids and aggression has produced mixed results. While some studies suggest that anabolic steroids may increase irritability and aggression in certain individuals, others show no significant changes in behavior. Researchers have also noted that other factors, such as personality traits, underlying mental health conditions, and social environments, can influence how an individual reacts to steroid use.

Various Studies 

Several studies have found evidence that high doses of anabolic steroids can lead to mood disturbances.

• A study found that while there was a significant increase in anger-hostility scores following TU administration, there was no corresponding increase in aggressive behaviour. This suggests that elevated testosterone levels may heighten feelings of anger without necessarily leading to overt aggression.
• A study examined aggression and hostility among AAS users. The researchers observed that while some users reported increased aggression, these effects were not uniform across all participants. This indicates that individual responses to AAS can vary, with only a subset of users experiencing heightened aggression.
• Further research suggests that individuals with inherent aggressive traits may be more susceptible to aggression when using steroids. A study highlighted that AAS use is associated with increased aggression and violence, particularly among those with antisocial personality traits. This underscores the role of individual predispositions in the psychological effects of steroid use.

Additional Studies

Other research suggests that the connection between steroids and aggression is overstated.

• A systematic review examined the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and disorders among athletes using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). The findings indicated that AAS-using athletes frequently present with psychiatric symptoms and disorders, including somatoform and eating disorders, as well as mood and schizophrenia-related disorders. The review underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing these psychiatric manifestations in athletes who use AAS.
• A study explored the psychological effects of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) and highlighted that prior research has found adverse psychological effects of steroids, including anger, aggressiveness, depression, and mania. The study emphasizes the need to consider concurrent stimulant use when assessing mood symptoms in AAS users.
• A piece of research investigated the link between anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) exposure and aggression using animal models. The findings demonstrate that pubertal rats receiving AASs respond appropriately to social cues, exhibiting more aggression toward intact males than castrated males. These results provide insights into the potential mechanisms by which AAS may influence aggressive behavior.

Overall, while some individuals may experience mood swings or aggression while on steroids, the claim that they automatically cause violent behavior is not supported by strong scientific evidence. 

Other Factors That Influence Aggression in Steroid Users

Even when aggression is observed in steroid users, other variables often contribute to this behavior. Steroids alone are not the sole cause of aggression, as psychological, social, and environmental factors play a significant role in determining how an individual reacts to these substances.

Personality Traits and Mental Health

• People with pre-existing aggression or mood disorders may be more susceptible to mood changes while using steroids. Research has shown that individuals with a history of anger issues or impulsivity may experience heightened emotional reactions when using anabolic steroids.
• ​Research indicates that individuals with certain personality traits, such as narcissistic or antisocial tendencies, may exhibit increased aggression when using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). A study found that antisocial personality traits are a significant mediator in the association between AAS use and aggressive behavior.
• Those with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression may react differently to steroids compared to those without these issues. In some cases, steroid use can worsen symptoms of anxiety and paranoia, leading to increased frustration and short-tempered behavior.

Dosage and Type of Steroid Used

• Higher doses of anabolic steroids are more likely to cause psychological effects than lower doses used for therapeutic purposes. Research suggests that users who engage in extreme steroid abuse, sometimes taking doses 10 to 100 times higher than medical recommendations, are more likely to experience mood disturbances.
• Some steroids, such as trenbolone, have been linked to stronger mood changes compared to others like testosterone. Trenbolone, known for its potency, has been anecdotally associated with increased aggression and mood instability.
• The method of steroid use, such as cycling or stacking multiple steroids, may also influence the severity of side effects. Stacking multiple steroids can lead to unpredictable interactions, making mood swings and aggression more likely in certain individuals.

Social and Environmental Factors

• Competitive environments, such as bodybuilding or professional sports, may encourage aggressive behaviour regardless of steroid use. The pressure to perform at a high level, combined with intense training regimens, can contribute to irritability and aggression.
• Stress, sleep deprivation, and diet can also impact mood and aggression levels. A lack of proper sleep and poor nutrition can negatively affect hormone regulation, leading to mood swings that may be incorrectly attributed to steroids.
• Some individuals may use steroids alongside other substances, such as alcohol or stimulants, which can contribute to aggression. Alcohol, in particular, is known to lower inhibitions and increase aggression, and when combined with steroids, it may amplify aggressive tendencies.

While anabolic steroids can influence mood, they do not act in isolation. The likelihood of experiencing aggression while on steroids depends on a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Conclusion

While anabolic steroids can have side effects that influence mood and behaviour, the idea that they universally cause extreme aggression is not supported by strong scientific evidence. The myth of roid rage has been largely fuelled by sensationalized media and misconceptions rather than solid scientific findings. Understanding the real effects of steroids requires a more nuanced perspective rather than relying on outdated stereotypes.If you are looking for premium-quality supplements to support your fitness journey, check out our full range of products at Flex Pharma. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our support team. We’d be more than happy to help!