Anabolic Steroid Use Disorder

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (71 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post-Assessment Questions

6

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

6 Mar 2026

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


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Activity Description

Anabolic-androgenic steroid use has emerged as a significant public health concern due to the expansion of use beyond professional athletes to broader populations. Anabolic-androgenic steroids encompass natural androgens, such as testosterone, as well as synthetic derivatives designed to replicate the effects of endogenous male hormones. Etiologically, anabolic-androgenic steroid misuse is driven by motivations that include enhancement of athletic performance, increased endurance, and augmentation of muscle mass with minimal fat accumulation. Risk factors for misuse include male sex, younger age, body image concerns, and participation in strength- or appearance-focused sports.

At the cellular level, anabolic-androgenic steroids act via androgen receptors to promote protein synthesis and muscle hypertrophy, while dysregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and affecting cardiovascular, hepatic, and neuroendocrine systems. Clinically, individuals may present with mood disturbances, aggression, gynecomastia, acne, and altered libido.

Diagnosis relies on patient history, physical examination, and, in some cases, detection of exogenous androgens in the laboratory. Management emphasizes cessation, psychological support, and monitoring for medical complications such as cardiomyopathy, hepatic dysfunction, and infertility. Prognosis varies, with early identification and intervention improving outcomes, whereas prolonged use increases the risk of persistent adverse effects.

This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner's competence when evaluating and managing anabolic-androgenic steroid use disorder. Participants advance their mastery of the condition's etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Improved skills equip clinicians to collaborate with interprofessional teams caring for affected individuals.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Screen at-risk individuals for anabolic-androgenic steroid use disorder based on established diagnostic criteria, noting history, physical signs, and laboratory findings.

  • Apply evidence-based interventions for anabolic-androgenic steroid use disorder, encompassing cessation strategies, hormonal restoration, and management of withdrawal symptoms and psychiatric comorbidities.

  • Improve awareness of the long-term health effects and support resources for patients and families affected by anabolic-androgenic steroid use disorder.

  • Collaborate with the interprofessional healthcare team to improve detection, counseling, treatment adherence, and long-term outcomes for individuals affected by anabolic-androgenic steroid use disorder.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

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Justine W. on 1/5/2022

So stupid to force me to write about it.

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Unlimited Nurse CE

Stay up to date on the latest medical knowledge with 6280 CE activities. In these online self-assessment activities, read our reference articles and test your knowledge with more than 7490 hours of CE.

Single Activity

Take this single activity

$25 1 activity

6 Month Unlimited Nurse CE

Access to all the Unlimited Nurse CE activities in all specialties.

$89 per half year per user

1 Year Unlimited Nurse CE

Access to all the Unlimited Nurse CE activities in all specialties.

$139 per 1 year per user