As with any other drug, there is a certain population that is more likely to abuse anabolic steroids. “Teen boys who are feeling vulnerable or inadequate to cope with the demands of teen life are more likely to use steroids to try to make themselves look and feel more powerful,” explains Carole Lieberman, MD, Beverly Hills psychiatrist and author. “This includes teen boys who are being bullied, abused or rejected by teen girls.” A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health echoes this assessment:  “In males, steroid use was associated with poorer self-esteem and higher rates of depressed mood and attempted suicide, poorer knowledge and attitudes about health, greater participation in sports that emphasize weight and shape, greater parental concern about weight, and higher rates of disordered eating and substance use. Among females, steroid use was less consistent in its associations with other variables, although overall, a similar pattern of results emerged.” If you suspect your teen may be using anabolic steroids, a trip to the doctor is in order, notes Dr. Lieberman. “Parents can bring their teen in to their family doctor for a blood or urine test to look for steroids,” she says. “Most importantly, if parents suspect their teens may be using steroids, they should bring them to a psychiatrist for an evaluation, because even if the teen is not actually using steroids, the behavior that became worrisome to the parent needs an evaluation. Whether it is teen rebellion or maladjustment or the beginnings of a mental illness, the teen needs help.” There are also home urine tests that will detect many of the common anabolic steroids used today, and these can be found online or at your community drug store. If you have any concerns that your teen may be using anabolic steroids, experts recommend that you have an honest conversation with your child and provide the information and support he or she needs.