The use of Image and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (IPED) in behavioural addictions

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Digitalization and technology fuel societal pressures on body ideals and performance.
• Increased use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPED) is linked to body dissatisfaction and distorted self-perception.
• Digital media amplifies these concerns and promotes IPED use, creating a significant knowledge gap regarding behavioral addictions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on the relationship between IPED use and behavioral addictions.
• To explore how appearance-related disorders, compulsive behaviors, and social validation influence IPED use.
• To examine the role of digital environments in facilitating IPED access and normalizing their use.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of existing literature.
• Synthesis of studies examining IPED use in relation to exercise addiction, eating disorders, work addiction, gaming disorder, gambling disorder, and compulsive sexual behavior disorder.
• Analysis of the impact of digital platforms and online forums on IPED use and associated behaviors.

Main Results:

• IPED use is associated with body image disturbances and eating psychopathology.
• IPEDs are utilized for mood regulation, productivity enhancement, cognitive sharpening, and sexual experiences, potentially leading to compulsive behaviors.
• A novel framework conceptualizes IPED use as a cross-cutting phenomenon in diverse behavioral addictions, not limited to sports doping.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the links between IPED use, behavioral addictions, and digital contexts is crucial.
• This knowledge is essential for developing targeted public health strategies.
• Effective prevention and intervention approaches require a comprehensive understanding of these complex relationships.