Are Steroids a cause in extreme aggression?

Andre was 25 years old. He stood about 6'3 and weighed 235 pounds. He boasted about being an up and coming Ultimate Fighter, but it was not his rage in the cage that brought him to anger management classes.

Andre was arrested for assaulting another man as they argued at a local car auction. Admittedly Andre confessed that the fellow buyer was no match for him. The fellow buyer was a 5ft 6inced middle age man with the belly over belt syndrome.

Andre stated after a heated debate he could not stop himself from delivering a swinging elbow at the little man's face. Consequently Andre was arrested and ordered to completed a 26 week of Anger Management Course.

Andre was not embarrassed about admitting his steroid use. He was quite sure it gave him an advantage in the ring. He was also aware that it was affecting the way he interacted with his girlfriend and people in the community He hoped Daybreak Counseling Service could help.

According the AAP steroids can cause the following mood changes: "Roid rage"- severe, aggressive behavior that may result in violence, such as fighting or destroying property
Severe mood swings
Hallucinations - seeing or hearing things that are not really there
Paranoia - extreme feelings of mistrust and fear
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and thoughts of suicide
An angry, hostile, or irritable mood

The athletic advantages of steroid use are obvious, but if the side effects are causing other emotional problems users should seek help.

--- Shannon Munford is the owner and CEO of Daybreak Counseling Service an anger management education center in Southern California

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