The authors review evidence which suggests that anabolic-androgenic steroids display psychiatric effects. Exposure to these steroids appears to produce manic-like features, including irritability, aggressiveness, euphoria, grandiose beliefs, hyperactivity & reckless behaviour. Withdrawal may cause depressive symptoms, such as anhedonia, fatigue, impaired concentration, & suicidality. These withdrawal effects may contribute to a syndrome of steroid dependence in some individuals. (50 refs.)