The effect of 600 mg/week of testosterone injections on angry behavior in healthy men

[Nelson Vergel]

The effects of supraphysiological doses of testosterone on angry behavior in healthy eugonadal men--a clinical research center study.


J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Oct;81(10):3754-8.


Abstract

Anecdotal reports of "roid rage" and violent crimes by androgenic steroid users have brought attention to the relationship between anabolic steroid use and angry outbursts. However, testosterone effects on human aggression remain controversial. Previous studies have been criticized because of the low androgen doses, lack of placebo control or blinding, and inclusion of competitive athletes and those with preexisting psychopathology.

To overcome these pitfalls, we used a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, excluded competitive athletes and those with psychiatric disorders, and used 600 mg testosterone enanthate (TE)/week. Forty-three eugonadal men, 19-40 yr, were randomized to 1 of 4 groups: Group I, placebo, no exercise; Group II, TE, no exercise; Group III, placebo, exercise; Group IV, TE plus exercise. Exercise consisted of thrice weekly strength training sessions. The Multi-Dimensional Anger Inventory (MAI), which includes 5 different dimensions of anger (inward anger, outward anger, anger arousal, hostile outlook, and anger eliciting situations), and a Mood Inventory (MI), which includes items related to mood and behavior, were administered to subjects before, during, and after the 10 week intervention.

The subject's significant other (spouse, live-in partner, or parent) also answered the same questions about the subject's mood and behavior (Observer Mood Inventory, OMI). No differences were observed between exercising and nonexercising and between placebo and TE treated subjects for any of the 5 subdomains of MAI. Overall there were no significant changes in MI or OMI during the treatment period in any group.

CONCLUSION: Supraphysiological doses of testosterone, when administered to normal men in a controlled setting, do not increase angry behavior. These data do not exclude the possibility that still higher doses of multiple steroids might provoke angry behavior in men with preexisting psychopathology.

 

[Jasen Bruce]

Great study!
I believe signs of increased aggression correlated with high testosterone occurs in men with a lower IQ, or low cognitive ability. Men with normal (avg) and higher IQs tend to experience enhanced cognitive ability and risk taking with higher levels of testosterone. For many men as they age, a significant decrease in hormone function can cause emotional and psychological symptoms which are alleviated when administered hormone replacement, therefore improving emotional and psychological states (and reducing risk of aggression).

Here is one study abstract which may show a correlation between testosterone levels and increased aggression in boys with lower cognitive ability. It would be interesting to see how they measured testosterone and what the respective levels were.

Testosterone, intelligence and behavior disorders in youngboys

Susan E. Chancea, Ronald T. Brownb, James M. Dabbs Jr.a , Robert Caseya

Abstract

Levels of testosterone were compared with behavioral measures among 45boys aged 5–11 yr, 25 from a psychiatric group with disruptive behaviordisorders and 20 from a normal control group. The boys provided saliva samplesfor testosterone assay and were evaluated on cognitive ability, academicachievement and behavioral symptoms. Testosterone levels were higher in thepsychiatric than the normal group, but only among older boys, aged 9–11. In theoverall sample, testosterone was associated with withdrawal and aggression(especially among older boys) and low social involvement in activities(especially among younger boys). After controlling for intelligence,testosterone accounted for 16% of the variance in aggression and 36% of thevariance in social withdrawal. Testosterone was not directly related tocognitive ability, but boys with less cognitive ability appeared more adverselyaffected by high testosterone levels. Findings suggest testosterone may be auseful biological marker for children at risk for disruptive behaviordisorders. Whether girls would show similar relations, and whether testosteronelevels in young children predict later development and behavior, remains to be determined