Performance-enhancing supplements can have a significant psychological impact on teen athletes. The pressure to excel in sports, combined with the desire to gain a competitive edge, can lead some young athletes to turn to these supplements. This decision can have both short-term and long-term effects on their mental well-being.

In the short term, the use of performance-enhancing supplements can lead to increased anxiety and stress. Teen athletes may feel a heightened sense of pressure to perform at their best, leading to feelings of inadequacy if they are not able to achieve the desired results. This can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and overall mental health.

Furthermore, the use of these supplements can also lead to a distorted perception of success and failure. Teen athletes may come to believe that their worth as a person is tied to their athletic performance, leading to an unhealthy mindset and potentially contributing to issues such as body image concerns and eating disorders.

In the long term, the psychological impact of performance-enhancing supplements can extend beyond the realm of sports. Research has shown that the use of these substances during adolescence can increase the risk of developing mood disorders and substance abuse issues later in life. This underscores the importance of addressing the psychological impact of these supplements on teen athletes.

It's crucial for coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals to educate young athletes about the potential risks and consequences of using performance-enhancing supplements. Encouraging open communication and promoting a healthy approach to sports and competition can help mitigate the psychological impact of these substances on teen athletes.

References:

1. Goldberg, L., MacKinnon, D. P., Elliot, D. L., Moe, E. L., Clarke, G., Cheong, J. (1996). The Adolescents Training and Learning to Avoid Steroids Program: Preventing drug use and promoting health behaviors. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 150(7), 713-721.
2. Mallinson, R. J., & Meier, B. P. (2017). The drive to strive: Goal generation based on current needs. Motivation and Emotion, 41(2), 204-221.
3. Veliz, P., McCabe, S. E., Eckner, J. T., & Schulenberg, J. E. (2017). Prevalence of concussion among US adolescents and correlated factors. JAMA, 318(12), 1180-1182.