Brain’s structure and functions in teenagers may be affected by steroid use

If you belong to those that read news about steroids, you can observe that almost each article notes about “roid rage” which is considered to be one of the most dangerous unwanted effects of these preparations. Anabolic steroids are demonized for certain violations, murders and other crimes. It is said that these preparations may lead to uncontrolled aggression that is responsible for abnormal behavior. Although it is not proven scientifically whether steroids can really cause “roid rage”, media reports about this unwanted reaction very often. Unfortunately, some other severe adverse results are rarely mentioned in articles.
Adolescents should be especially warned about some specific side results that can occur in them, if they use steroids in their teen years. The professors Leslie Henderson and Ann Clark of the Giesel School of Medicine in Dartmouth confirm that these drugs can have very negative influence on adolescents’ brains. These professors have conducted certain studies and made conclusions, basing on the results of their studies. These professors claim that steroids may cause in adolescents something severer than uncontrolled aggression.
According to Leslie Henderson and Ann Clark, steroids are very dangerous for adolescents because this class of consumers may face several specific grave negative effects which don’t appear in adult steroid users. The experts note that steroids may affect the brain in teenagers. Thus, the brain’s structure and functions can be destroyed in teenagers because of steroids. Furthermore, these undesirable consequences may be irreversible. It means that brain’s disorders that are displayed through abnormal behavior may present even when the adolescents grow up. Thus, negative psychological effects can be displayed even in their adulthood.
But it is necessary to notice that the studies conducted by Leslie Henderson and Ann Clark have enrolled animals. So, the conclusions have been done on the basis of animals’ reactions to steroid use. One can doubt whether effects of steroids on teenagers’ brains are the same as those on animals. Nevertheless, Leslie Henderson is sure that these conclusions are true for humans as well.
Moreover, it has been determined that undesirable effects of steroids on teenagers are more lasting than those which occur in adult steroid users.
Leslie Henderson works together with such specialists, as Marie Onakomaiya, Donna Porter and Joseph Oberlander.
Leslie Henderson states that it is obvious that steroids affect adolescents’ behavior. As we know, behavior is controlled by brain. Since behavior is abnormal, the brain’s structure and functions are destroyed.
Thus, it is important to inform teenagers about all potential risks associated with application of steroids. If they know about these probable side consequences, they will be able to make a right decision related to steroids.