The criminal liability of health care professionals treating anabolic steroid users under the SpoPA

Prevalence and correlates of androgen dependence: a meta-analysis, meta-regression analysis and qualitative synthesis

“…Additionally, the finding that combined interview and questionnaire dependence assessments generate higher dependence prevalence compared to dependence assessment using only interviews may be explained by the advantages of mixed-mode survey designs over unimode survey designs such as reduced nonresponse and error, and triangulation potential [50–52]. Furthermore, the association of publications from 2000–2009 and 2010–2023 with lower dependence prevalence relative to 1990–1999 publications is consistent with the results of our meta-analysis subgroup comparisons, and understandable from the previously explained historical and legal contexts [3,42,53].…”

Anabolic-androgenic steroids: Considerations for forensic psychiatry, sports psychiatry, and the law

“…Generally, policymakers and legal actors need to be better attuned to these wider considerations. This might prevent possible situations where an athlete and their healthcare provider are liable for juridical proceedings during treatment programmes, as has previously been observed [16]. In this regard, we believe that optimised legal provisions should involve the development or refinement of legislation to prioritise psychiatric care over punitive responses [16].…”

“…This might prevent possible situations where an athlete and their healthcare provider are liable for juridical proceedings during treatment programmes, as has previously been observed [16]. In this regard, we believe that optimised legal provisions should involve the development or refinement of legislation to prioritise psychiatric care over punitive responses [16]. Further, to uphold patient wellbeing and avoid medicolegal recriminations, like medical malpractice sanctions, physicians must be vigilant of the potential psychiatric side-effects of AAS when prescribing these substances.…”

“…From a jurisdictional perspective, applying extensive definitions of “sport” and anti-doping rubrics to amateur competitions may lead to adverse outcomes for recreational competitors, rendering them liable to legal proceedings and inadequate clinical support. Recently, Diethelm et al highlighted how amateur athletes in Switzerland who consume AAS, together with their healthcare providers, are vulnerable to judicial proceedings because of far-reaching criminal law provisions [16]. Resultantly, these authors argue that ill-defined legislature can impede sufficient medical care and hinder the efficacy of treatment approaches [16].…”

“…Recently, Diethelm et al highlighted how amateur athletes in Switzerland who consume AAS, together with their healthcare providers, are vulnerable to judicial proceedings because of far-reaching criminal law provisions [16]. Resultantly, these authors argue that ill-defined legislature can impede sufficient medical care and hinder the efficacy of treatment approaches [16].…”