Managing patients who use performance and image-enhancing drugs

The use of androgenic steroids, peptides and other performance- and image-enhancing drugs is becoming common for some groups of Australian males, placing their health at risk and presenting challenges to health professionals.

Patients may not reveal their use of performance- and image-enhancing drugs for various reasons, which may complicate the diagnosis and treatment of related health problems. The complex combinations and patterns of use of performance- and image-enhancing drugs can cause further complications.

Practitioners who are aware of patients’ use of performance- and image-enhancing drugs must avoid complicity.

The ultimate goal of care for users of performance- and image-enhancing drugs should be cessation, with treatment of adverse effects and counselling until that time.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify anabolic-androgenic steroids and related substances commonly used for performance or image enhancement, and the harms associated with use.

• Outline the key motivations and contextual factors driving anabolic steroid use among different populations.
  

• Describe clinical signs and symptoms that may indicate use of performance and image-enhancing drugs and any related complications.
  

• Apply evidence-informed approaches to the assessment, management, and treatment of patients experiencing anabolic steroid-related harms.

• Describe strategies for patient engagement, harm reduction, and referral to specialist services where appropriate.

This is a Medcast Continuing Medical Education (CME) course.