Understanding exercise addiction, psychiatric characteristics and use of anabolic androgenic steroids among recreational athletes - An online survey study

Bibliographic Data

ID5285485
AuthorsBjörn Gunnarsson (0000-0002-1247-919X, Helsingborgs lasarett), Artin Entezarjou (0000-0002-7418-8750, Lund University), Fernando Fernandez-Aranda (0000-0003-3824-3094), Fernando Fernández‐aranda (0000-0002-2968-9898, Bellvitge University Hospital), Susana Jiménez-Murcia, Susana Jiménez‐múrcia (0000-0002-3596-8033, Bellvitge University Hospital), Göran Kenttä (0000-0002-9921-6586, University of Ottawa), Anders Håkansson (0000-0002-5800-8975, Lund University, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume4
Pages903777-903777
Publication date2022-08-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Sports and Active Living (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2624-9367 • E-ISSN: 2624-9367
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fspor.2022.903777
PMID35979064
OpenAlexW4289130810
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited63

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper was to explore maladaptive behaviors among physically active individuals, including exercise dependence and use of anabolic steroids. Both exercise addiction (EA) and use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) correlate to high amounts of exercise and EA have been linked to eating disorders and other mental health problems.MethodsAn internet survey was spread through fitness-related social media. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 15 years and exercise frequency ≥ thrice weekly. Exercise addiction inventory identified those at-risk of EA (rEA). Characteristics of rEA were compared to those not at risk. In a separate analysis, AAS users were compared to AAS-naïve individuals.ResultsIn total, 3,029 participants completed the questionnaire. Of these, 11% screened positive for being rEA, and 23% for ED. Factors associated with EA included daily exercise, social phobia, eating disorders and OCD. Risk consumption of alcohol was a negative predictor. Thirty seven participants had taken AAS the last year. These were mainly men, bodybuilders/powerlifters and more often used amphetamines and opioids.DiscussionThis exploratory study supports EA being strongly associated with eating disorders. Identified associations between EA and compulsive or anxiety disorders warrant further research to clarify if these associations arise prior to, together with, or secondary to EA

Addiction · Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids · Anabolism · Anxiety · Athletes · Eating disorders · Physical therapy · Psychiatry · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Hormonal and reproductive studies · Medicine · Psychology · Internal Medicine

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