Do you or someone you know have muscle dysmorphia? Learn more about this recently identified psychological condition.
Often called bigorexia or reverse anorexia, muscle dysmorphia is characterized by distortions in body image. A disorder affecting mainly men, individuals with this mental health condition see their muscles as underdeveloped and believe themselves to be too thin or small, even if this is not the case.
What Is Muscle Dysmorphia?
Muscle dysmorphiais a psychological condition in which a person believes that their body and muscles are too small. Although typically associated with men, muscle dysmorphia can also occur in women. Muscle dysmorphia is believed to be a subtype ofbody dysmorphic disorder, in which excessive concern and preoccupation are given to a perceived physical defect.
Signs of Muscle Dysmorphia
Aside from measuring a person’s body mass index (BMI), few reliable physical or psychological characteristics exist to evaluate muscle dysmorphia.
Commonlyreported signsinclude:
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- Spending an extended amount of time thinking about becoming more muscular
- Excessive body monitoring practices
- Unrealistic diet and exercise regimens, often causing significant distress
- Dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, especially regarding muscularity and size
- A strong belief of having substandard muscles, even in the face of the contrary
- Active avoidance of situations involving potential body exposure
- Avoiding people, places or events due to muscularity concerns
Often, these symptoms interfere with daily responsibilities and well-being, including work and family relationships.
Causes of Muscle Dysmorphia
Muscle dysmorphia is a relatively recently identified medical condition with complex psychological and biological underpinnings. While increasing at an alarming pace, societal pressures and media portrayals of the “ideal” male body image are not the only determinants in developing muscle dysmorphia.
Some studies implicate muscle dysmorphia as a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Others have shown it may be a reaction to physical abuse or sexual assault. A correlation with being a victim of childhood bullying has also been demonstrated. At this point, more research is required before the root causes of muscle dysmorphia can be understood fully.
The “Adonis Complex”
The term “Adonis complex” derives from Greek mythology in which Adonis, a half-man half-god, was the epitome of masculine beauty. The term may be used to describe males who have become fixated, to the point of obsession, on attaining the “perfect” body. This unhealthy preoccupation with muscularity and appearance often leads to personal dissatisfaction, and may even interfere with a person’s day-to-day life.
Statistics on Bigorexia
Studies on theprevalence of muscle dysmorphiavary, withastudyof university males showing a prevalence as high as1.9%. Of those officially diagnosed with muscle dysmorphia,87.5%were male,and they ranged from15 to 32 years old.
Muscle Dysmorphia and Concurrent Disorders
People with muscle dysmorphia may turn tosupplements in excessto aid them in their pursuit of an unfeasible body image. At times, this may predispose them to significant health concerns. Additionally, people with this condition may useillicit substancessuch asanabolic steroidsortestosteronein an attempt to increase muscle mass further. Susceptible to image-related ideals and patterns, people with muscle dysmorphia often succumb tosubstance abuse and eating disorders.
Muscle Dysmorphia Treatment
Many people with muscle dysmorphia are unaware they have the condition, so the first step is to identify those suffering. Currently, no specific pharmacological treatment exists; however, a professional can help identify underlying patterns of harmful thoughts and behaviors that may be at the root of the problem.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)is a type ofpsychotherapythat is extremely effective for muscle dysmorphia. While CBT remains the therapy of choice, certain antidepressants that have beenproven effectivein treating the obsessive-compulsive component of muscle dysmorphia can be used.
If you are affected by muscle dysmorphia and a co-occurring substance use disorder,The Recovery Villageis here to help. Reach out today for more information.
