Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) have been associated with adverse psychiatric effects, aggression and violent behaviour. The use of them has spread to a larger subpopulation, and the use has been connected to different risk behaviours, such as use of other illicit substances and carrying a gun. Case reports tell about a connection between AAS use and violent crimes, including homicide. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the proposed connection between AAS and crime, focusing on violent crimes, and to inquire into whether this proposed connection between AAS and criminality is affected by other risk factors for criminal behaviour.The first two studies of this thesis investigated the registered criminality of individuals testing positively for AAS, with individuals testing negatively serving as control groups. In the two last studies individuals at a clinic for substance abuse treatment (Paper III) and in a prison (Paper IV) were asked about their use of AAS, and their history was assessed using the Addiction Severity Index.The main finding of Paper I was the development of criminal patterns over time, with a clear increase of the proportion of violent crimes and weapons offences seen only among the pure AAS users. In Paper II an increased risk for weapons offences among AAS users was reported. In Paper III an increased risk of having been prosecuted for violent crimes and of having been physically abused was seen among the AAS users. In Paper IV, the main finding was the close resemblance of users and non users.In summary, this thesis have concluded that the violence previously reported as connected to use of AAS…
Contents
Introduction
Definition
Definition of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids
Definition of violence
Background
The history of AAS
The use of AAS today
The effects of AAS
The use of AAS and other risk behaviours/factors
Other illegal substances and crime
AAS and violent crimes
Risk factors for violent and other crimes
Aim of the thesis
Materials and methods
Participants and settings
Paper I
Paper II
Paper III & IV
Instruments
Paper I & II
Paper III & IV
Statistics
Paper I & II
Paper III & IV
Main findings and comments
Paper I
Findings
Comments on the findings
Paper II
Findings
Comments on the findings
Paper III
Findings
Comments on the findings
Paper IV
Findings
Comments on the findings
General discussio
Methodological considerations
Discussion
Concluding remarks
Conclusion
Future Perspectives
Sammanfattning på svenska [Summary in Swedish]
Acknowledgments
References
Author: Klötz, Fia
Source: Uppsala University Library
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