A leading psychiatrist has raised concerns about a surge in anabolic steroid use and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) among young men in the UK. Dr William Shanahan, clinical director of addictions at Priory Hospital Roehampton, highlighted the growing issue ahead of World Mental Health Day, warning that young men are increasingly turning to steroids rather than seeking professional support for BDD.
Dr Shanahan described BDD as an “increasingly common anxiety disorder” where individuals become overly self-conscious, often fixating on perceived flaws in their appearance. This obsessive focus can dominate daily life, causing intense mental distress. “If your appearance is dominating your thoughts in this way, it is essential to seek specialist medical support,” he advised.
The psychiatrist noted that the disorder often intertwines with anabolic steroid addiction, with many young men turning to the drug as a means to ease their body-related anxieties. However, rather than alleviating concerns, steroid use frequently exacerbates both mental and physical health problems. Dr Shanahan explained, “We’re seeing more patients affected by this issue across our services nationwide. It’s a troubling trend, with various factors like low self-esteem and social anxiety playing a role, in addition to the normalisation of unrealistic body goals in society.”
Dr Shanahan added that the media portrayal of unattainable physiques has shifted over the years. While there has been progress in reducing unrealistic body standards for women, images of overly muscular, lean male bodies have become more widespread, creating a challenging environment for young men. “This lean, muscular look is rarely achievable without steroids, yet it’s promoted across all media forms. As a result, large numbers of young men are using anabolic steroids in their pursuit of these impossible standards.”
Studies indicate that body dysmorphic disorder may affect up to 2.4% of the general population, with Dr Shanahan warning that anabolic steroid use, rather than easing BDD symptoms, often leads to further mental health issues. “Anabolic steroids are not only a consequence of underlying mental health conditions like BDD but also a contributor to additional mental health symptoms,” he stated.
One of the challenges in addressing steroid addiction, Dr Shanahan explained, is the misconception many users hold. “Many steroid users don’t identify with the stereotypical image of a drug addict. They may hold jobs, maintain homes, and see steroid use as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, the health consequences can be severe,” he cautioned. Risks of anabolic steroid use include mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment, as well as physical effects ranging from acne and hair loss to serious organ damage and increased risk of certain cancers.
Priory, the UK’s largest independent provider of mental health services, has campaigned to raise awareness of BDD and steroid addiction, leading to a House of Commons debate on the issue last year. Dr Shanahan underscored the importance of early intervention, urging young men to seek help before symptoms escalate.
“Creating a healthier culture around exercise and body image is crucial,” he added. “If you’re struggling with body image concerns or steroid use, seek medical support early. Recognising the signs can be the first step to effective treatment.”
