Posted 2023-08-04
In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, the allure of a chiseled physique often leads individuals down a path where they seek shortcuts to achieve their goals. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), a class of compounds that includes testosterone and synthetic derivatives, have gained notoriety for their ability to rapidly increase muscle mass. However, a dark side looms behind these gains, as a growing body of evidence suggests a strong link between AAS use and dependence, accompanied by detrimental physical and psychological consequences. Recent research has delved deeper into this connection, uncovering intriguing insights into the role of personality traits and executive dysfunction in the development of AAS dependence.
A study conducted across 38 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment facilities in Norway aimed to shed light on the complex relationship between AAS dependence, personality traits, executive functioning (EF), and potential cognitive impairments. This comprehensive study not only assessed the psychological factors contributing to AAS dependence but also delved into potential cognitive deficits that might be present among those affected.
The research involved administering questionnaires to patients, assessing personality traits and EF measures. Subsequently, a latent class analysis was employed to categorize patients into distinct sub-groups based on the severity of AAS dependence symptoms. These sub-groups were then scrutinized for associations with personality traits and EF, and the findings were compared to a control group of non-AAS using SUD patients.
The study's results revealed the emergence of three distinct classes, representing low, moderate, and high levels of AAS dependence symptoms. Notably, those falling into the moderate and high symptom classes exhibited a significant correlation with specific personality traits and EF deficits. Among these traits, self-monitoring, antagonism, disinhibition, and rigid perfectionism stood out as strong indicators of moderate to severe AAS dependence. Intriguingly, the individuals with low AAS dependence symptoms showcased a greater aptitude for emotional control and cognitive flexibility, coupled with lower levels of negative affectivity, when compared to the non-AAS using SUD patients.
However, beyond the personality traits, the study also looked into cognitive impairments associated with AAS dependence. The researchers found that individuals with severe AAS dependence demonstrated decreased self-monitoring abilities. This cognitive aspect emphasizes the multifaceted nature of AAS dependence, linking psychological traits with cognitive deficiencies.
Furthermore, the study highlighted that the severity of AAS dependence was not only associated with personality traits and cognitive impairments but was also influenced by the age at which AAS use was initiated. Individuals who started AAS use at a younger age tended to exhibit more severe dependence symptoms, suggesting an important factor in predicting the trajectory of AAS-related issues.
In conclusion, this study underscores the intricate interplay between AAS dependence, personality traits, executive dysfunction, and cognitive impairments within the SUD population. The findings provide valuable insights into the psychological dimensions that influence the severity of AAS dependence. Specifically, traits such as poor emotional control, reduced empathy, and impulsivity appear to be strongly associated with a heightened risk of developing severe AAS dependence.
Scarth, M., Havnes, I. A., Jørstad, M. L., McVeigh, J., Van Hout, M. C., Westlye, L. T., Torgersen, S., & Bjørnebekk, A. (2022). Severity of anabolic steroid dependence, executive function, and personality traits in substance use disorder patients in Norway. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 231, 109275.
At MuscuLex, we champion the responsible use of performance-enhancing substances. Your health matters, so regular consultation with medical professionals is crucial. If addiction concerns arise, consult your doctor promptly. We offer only premium products from trusted manufacturers like Hilma Biocare, Euro-Pharmacies, and Beligas. For personalized advice, our customer support is ready to assist. Choose MuscuLex for safe and effective performance enhancement. Your well-being is our priority.
To read full research article follow the link below:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871622000126
The Link Between Personality Traits, Executive Function, and Anabolic Androgenic Steroid Dependence
In the world of fitness and bodybuilding, the allure of a chiseled physique often leads individuals down a path where they seek shortcuts to achieve their goals. Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), a class of compounds that includes testosterone and synthetic derivatives, have gained notoriety for their ability to rapidly increase muscle mass. However, a dark side looms behind these gains, as a growing body of evidence suggests a strong link between AAS use and dependence, accompanied by detrimental physical and psychological consequences. Recent research has delved deeper into this connection, uncovering intriguing insights into the role of personality traits and executive dysfunction in the development of AAS dependence.
Any relevant studies?
A study conducted across 38 Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment facilities in Norway aimed to shed light on the complex relationship between AAS dependence, personality traits, executive functioning (EF), and potential cognitive impairments. This comprehensive study not only assessed the psychological factors contributing to AAS dependence but also delved into potential cognitive deficits that might be present among those affected.The research involved administering questionnaires to patients, assessing personality traits and EF measures. Subsequently, a latent class analysis was employed to categorize patients into distinct sub-groups based on the severity of AAS dependence symptoms. These sub-groups were then scrutinized for associations with personality traits and EF, and the findings were compared to a control group of non-AAS using SUD patients.
The study's results revealed the emergence of three distinct classes, representing low, moderate, and high levels of AAS dependence symptoms. Notably, those falling into the moderate and high symptom classes exhibited a significant correlation with specific personality traits and EF deficits. Among these traits, self-monitoring, antagonism, disinhibition, and rigid perfectionism stood out as strong indicators of moderate to severe AAS dependence. Intriguingly, the individuals with low AAS dependence symptoms showcased a greater aptitude for emotional control and cognitive flexibility, coupled with lower levels of negative affectivity, when compared to the non-AAS using SUD patients.
However, beyond the personality traits, the study also looked into cognitive impairments associated with AAS dependence. The researchers found that individuals with severe AAS dependence demonstrated decreased self-monitoring abilities. This cognitive aspect emphasizes the multifaceted nature of AAS dependence, linking psychological traits with cognitive deficiencies.
Furthermore, the study highlighted that the severity of AAS dependence was not only associated with personality traits and cognitive impairments but was also influenced by the age at which AAS use was initiated. Individuals who started AAS use at a younger age tended to exhibit more severe dependence symptoms, suggesting an important factor in predicting the trajectory of AAS-related issues.
In conclusion, this study underscores the intricate interplay between AAS dependence, personality traits, executive dysfunction, and cognitive impairments within the SUD population. The findings provide valuable insights into the psychological dimensions that influence the severity of AAS dependence. Specifically, traits such as poor emotional control, reduced empathy, and impulsivity appear to be strongly associated with a heightened risk of developing severe AAS dependence.
Scarth, M., Havnes, I. A., Jørstad, M. L., McVeigh, J., Van Hout, M. C., Westlye, L. T., Torgersen, S., & Bjørnebekk, A. (2022). Severity of anabolic steroid dependence, executive function, and personality traits in substance use disorder patients in Norway. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 231, 109275.
Our conclusion
As the fitness and bodybuilding culture continues to evolve, understanding the psychological underpinnings of AAS dependence becomes paramount. This research not only contributes to the growing body of knowledge concerning AAS-related issues but also paves the way for targeted interventions and preventive strategies. By addressing the specific personality traits and cognitive deficits that elevate the risk of AAS dependence, clinicians and researchers can develop more effective approaches to mitigate the adverse outcomes associated with AAS use.At MuscuLex, we champion the responsible use of performance-enhancing substances. Your health matters, so regular consultation with medical professionals is crucial. If addiction concerns arise, consult your doctor promptly. We offer only premium products from trusted manufacturers like Hilma Biocare, Euro-Pharmacies, and Beligas. For personalized advice, our customer support is ready to assist. Choose MuscuLex for safe and effective performance enhancement. Your well-being is our priority.
To read full research article follow the link below:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376871622000126