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Jennifer Berman
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NYU Medical Center
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E-mail: Jennifer.Berman@nyumc.org

NYU SPORTS MEDICINE EXPERT DISCUSSES DRUG USE ALLEGATIONS IN CONJUCTION WITH THE BENOIT TRAGEDY

NEW YORK, NY – July 18, 2007 – Dr. Todd Schlifstein, a sports medicine rehabilitation physician and steroid expert explains how steroids and drug interactions may have contributed to wrestler Chris Benoit’s murder/suicide. “The psychological effects of anabolic steroids include irritability, depression, uncontrolled anger, and violence,” says Dr. Schlifstein. “Users of anabolic steroids have tremendously elevated testosterone levels in their bodies, which has dramatic physical and psychological effects.”

These effects may vary depending on the steroid being used, the dose, the duration of use, and individual variability. He believes that “roid rage” is a real phenomenon based on research and clinical experience.  Huge hormonal elevations have dramatic effects on behavior. Overreacting, violent reactions, and paranoid behavior have been demonstrated. In addition, people who abuse anabolic steroids often use other medications to control side effects, including “roid rage.” Xanax, GHB, and other drugs are used to help steroid users relax and remain calm.  “It is alleged that Benoit also used GHB, if he did it could explain a lot,” says Dr. Schlifstein. “People who take too much GHB have very bad side effects, such as amnesia, nausea, blackouts, seizures, coma, and respiratory depression. When used with alcohol, the drugs serious side effects can be exacerbated.”

Addiction is a real concern among anabolic steroid abusers with evidence of both physical and psychological dependence. Users who stop abruptly can experience rapid mood swings, depression, and large decreases of testosterone levels, fatigue, and lack of interest and appetite.

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