> The study sheds light on the links between steroid use and psychopathology. However, it also has limitations that need to be considered. Notably, the study design does not allow any conclusions about causes and effects to be derived.
I like this part in the text.
I lift weights regularly for many years, can pass requirements for 2-3rd class sportsman in powerlifting, weighted pull ups, weighted dips.
( requirements for different sexes and weight categories: https://www.sportscategory.info/powerlifting )
I do not use steroids, but plenty of my friends do.
Some take them to perform well in competitions. Unlike athletes mentioned in the article they work out more than average weight lifter.
Steroids do not give muscles for free, they just allow faster progress, and faster recovery. Natural athlete will not be able to handle training plan that person on steroids can. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger talks in his book "Total Recall" on how he trained twice a day, every day with heavy weights.
Other people that I talked to were not satisfied with their appearance, I would say they were insecure, lifting weights did not give much results and they use steroids to address the issue. Many of them are ectomorphs. When I ask them - do you want to stop and become natural athlete, they say no.
They also mention is that high testosterone gives them more confidence, less stress, high sex drive. They are not ready to give it away and get back to the insecure, stressful life, much smaller attention from women even if steroids have negative side effects.
I guess they have some mental deviations (I wanted to say issues, but sounds too strong) and insecurities. How they are perceived by others is a big chunk of their identity. Would not be surprised if they were prone to some psychological problems without steroid use.
1) > The study encompassed 118 previous and current male steroid users and 97 weightlifters who confirmed they had never used steroids.
It is a very small number
2) Even if results of the study are statistically significant mental issues and steroid use are only correlation and assuming that steroids lead to problems with your head is an overkill, which authors of the paper clearly state, but readers may not see.
P.S. Steroids have so many negative side effects that it is a mystery for me, why one decides to use them. Although I do not feel that have problems with my body and appearance overall.
Steroids have been proved to give effects very similar to cocaine: rampages, irritability, delirium of omnipotence, etc. all effects that often can lead to violence. They should be banned also outside of professional sports, especially so among people who wear uniforms and carry firearms.