Clinical assessment and urine testing for anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse and dependence.
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.
Brower
K J
KJ
University of Michigan Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor 48109.
Catlin
D H
DH
Blow
F C
FC
Eliopulos
G A
GA
Beresford
T P
TP
D000328:Adult; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000652:urine; D045165:Testosterone Congeners / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D014891:Weight Lifting
D045930:Anabolic Agents; D045165:Testosterone Congeners; D003042:Cocaine