NCJ Number
129710
Editor(s)
G C Lin,
L Erinoff
Date Published
1990
Length
249 pages
Annotation
A review of anabolic steroid abuse is presented to determine the extent and scope of the problem and to identify research priorities in this area.
Abstract
A wide range of topics are covered beginning with the abuse potential of anabolic steroids and their role in the abuse of other substances. A historical overview of the discovery and development of anabolic steroids, a critical evaluation of the performance-enhancing effects of anabolic steroids, and an ethnographic study of anabolic steroid abuse in New York City follow. A summary of the epidemiological evidence is then presented on the incidence and prevalence of steroid use. To understand the health consequences of abuse, the normal endocrine physiology and pharmacology, as well as molecular and receptor mechanisms are described together with the health risk associated with abuse. Special attention is focused on the endocrinological effects of anabolic steroids in adolescents. A discussion of the behavioral aspects of anabolic steroid use includes indications of psychological dependence and evidence for steroid-induced mental status changes and aggressive behavior. 44 references