International Society for Sport Psychiatry Discusses Impact of Steroids on Mental Health.ATLANTA -- Today the International Society for Sport Psychiatry (ISSP ISSP Institute for Solid State Physics (University of Tokyo) ISSP International Social Survey Programme ISSP Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (UK) ISSP International Space Station Program ) announced at their scientific meeting a recommendation that anabolic steroids Anabolic steroids A group of drugs derived from the male sex hormone testosterone, most commonly prescribed to promote growth or to help the body repair tissues weakened by severe illness or aging. Some anabolic steroids are given as appetite stimulants. be banned from all sports for the following reasons: 1) There is sufficient evidence that anabolic steroid use Anabolic Steroid Use Definition Anabolic steroids are drugs containing hormones, or hormone-like substances, that are used to increase strength and promote muscle growth. negatively impacts mental and general health. The International Society for Sport Psychiatry emphasizes the importance of participation in sports for improved mental and general health. 2) The use of anabolic steroids runs counter to the character building qualities that sport ideally helps promote: sportsmanship, fairness, integrity and respect for oneself and others. 3) Anabolic steroid use among college and professional athletes has a significant impact on our youth. Children idolize i·dol·ize tr.v. i·dol·ized, i·dol·iz·ing, i·dol·iz·es 1. To regard with blind admiration or devotion. See Synonyms at revere1. 2. To worship as an idol. athletes and aspire to aspire to verb aim for, desire, pursue, hope for, long for, crave, seek out, wish for, dream about, yearn for, hunger for, hanker after, be eager for, set your heart on, set your sights on, be ambitious for be like their heroes. If their heroes are using steroids, youth will follow. The ISSP also recommends that sport leagues implement policies to provide access to treatment for those athletes who may find it difficult to discontinue anabolic steroids, or for those who suffer with symptoms of a mental illness (depression, mania, or anxiety) brought on or made worse by steroid use or its discontinuation dis·con·tin·u·a·tion n. A cessation; a discontinuance. Noun 1. discontinuation - the act of discontinuing or breaking off; an interruption (temporary or permanent) discontinuance . The ISSP is embarking on a year-long effort in local communities to educate young athletes, their families, and coaches on the dangers of steroid use. A quote from the meeting: "Being a great athlete is about making the right decision in the face of pressure. Choosing not to use steroids is a great, life-affirming decision. Deciding to use steroids is a dangerous, unfair, reckless choice, and it is caving into pressure." -- Ronald Kamm, MD The ISSP is an organization that applies the science and practice of psychiatry to the world of sports. Sport Psychiatrists use the biopsychosocial model The biopsychosocial model is a general model or approach that posits that biological, psychological (which entails thoughts, emotions, and behaviors) ,and social factors (abbreviated "BPS") all play a significant role in human functioning in the context of disease or illness. in their work with athletes and teams. The ISSP was founded 12 years ago and has over 125 members in various countries around the world. Members are in both academic and private practice settings. For more information on the ISSP, please look on the web at http://www.mindbodyandsports.com/issp |
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