Abstract des Autors

The use of doping agents in the last years has reached epidemic proportions involving not only elite athletes but also recreational athletes. It's sure that in American and European high schools between 3 and 12% of males and approximately 1% of females used anabolic steroids. Football players report the highest use while track and field athletes use them least. Nonmedical use of these drugs is in contrast with the Olympic spirit because they distort natural differences between athletes and are dangerous for adolescents psychophysics integrity. A great number of teenagers use doping agents to improve their athletic performance following coach's advice or to imitate elite athletes that use these drugs. Other teenagers not involved in sports take this substances only to improve physical appearance and to have a grown-up look. The primary care of physicians must be to inform and educate teenagers, coaches and teachers about the effect and the side effect of the doping agents. Verf.-Referat