The term ‘bigorexia nervosa’, along with another synonym ‘reverse anorexia’, are nicknames for muscle dysmorphia. Muscle dysmorphia is deemed to be a sub-type of body dysmorphic disorder. It is seen primarily in men who usually perceive themselves as puny, or not muscular enough. The man or boy with muscle dysmorphia is bombarded with obsessive thoughts that their muscles aren’t big enough and feel small and weak, even though, in many cases, they may actually have large, strong muscles.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) describes body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) as a preoccupation with a defect in appearance. The defect is either imagined or minor, but if a defect is present, the individual’s concern about the defect is markedly excessive in comparison with the severity of the defect (Claiborn & Pedrick: 2002). Sufferers of Muscle Dysmorphia, like others with BDD, see parts of their body as defective. This excessive preoccupation with body size and muscularity causes the sufferer to feel small when they’re actually big.
In Paterson (2008), muscle dysmorphia is defined as a syndrome seen in both men and boys who feel dissatisfied with their bodies; not believing they are muscular enough. Morgan (2008) explains that at the ‘root’ of muscle dysmorphia is a distortion of body image. Body dysmorphia occurs almost exclusively in males and is a condition that consists of believing that one cannot be big enough (Andersen et al: 2000). In the Psychology Today magazine of 1997, it was reported that 43% of men interviewed were dissatisfied with their overall appearance; this is a dramatic increase form 15% in 1972 and 34% in 1985; so much so that Claiborn & Pedrick (2002) suggest that male body image dissatisfaction is catching up with that of women. Andersen et al. (2000) purports that more men than ever are dissatisfied with their weight, but unlike women, half of them want to get heavier, almost always in the form of increased muscle. In Phillips (2009) we discover that approximately one-quarter of men with body dysmorphic disorder are preoccupied with their overall body build.
Morgan (2008) suggests that muscle dysmorphia exists at the end of a spectrum of behaviours designed to reshape the body. A strong parallel with body dysmorphic disorder is the ‘imagined’ status of the defect in appearance; the brain of the bigorexic sufferer sees a perfectly normal body shape...
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Bigorexics and their stories
3. Signs and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia
4. Psychobehavioural factors
5. The Media as a contributor
6. Co-occurring psychiatric disorders
7. Contributing factors
8. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety
9. Sexual orientation concerns
10. Intervention strategies and treatment
11. Advice for the family
12. Additional reading
13. APPENDICES
13.1 Appendix A – Diagnostic Criteria for Muscle Dysmorphia (Pope et al.: 2000, p 248)
13.2 Appendix B – Do I Have Muscle Dysmorphia? (Paterson: 2008, pp 47-48)
13.3 Appendix C – Clues to the Adonis Complex in Boys (Pope et al.: 2000, pp 194-195)
13.4 Appendix D – Drugs Abused by Athletes as Compiled from Underground Guides
14. References
Objectives and Topics
This work aims to provide a comprehensive overview of muscle dysmorphia, often referred to as "bigorexia," by exploring its psychological, behavioral, and societal roots. The research seeks to identify the core characteristics of the disorder, the impact of media-driven body ideals, and effective intervention strategies for sufferers and their families.
- Psychological and behavioral symptoms of muscle dysmorphia.
- The role of media and cultural pressures in developing negative body image.
- The link between muscle dysmorphia and other psychiatric disorders like OCD.
- Common usage of supplements and anabolic steroids in the pursuit of the "ideal" body.
- Practical guidance for families and educators to identify and support affected individuals.
Excerpt from the Book
2. Bigorexics and their stories…
Meet Brian, Mark, Nick and Jack, four bigorexia sufferers. Here are their stories;
Brian, a high school freshman, dreads going to gym class each day. At 6’2” and 130 pounds, Brian feels that his muscle development is well below other boys his age. Spending each night feeling his arms and counting his ribs in front of the mirror, Brian refuses to go to the gym, too afraid that others will make fun of him, and instead overeats constantly in an attempt to gain weight. Today in physical education, the all-male class is playing “shirts and skins” basketball. Knowing that he will be on the “skins” team, Brian is trying to think of a way to get out of class. (Frame: 2004)
Mark, a muscular man in his 20s, believed his upper body was too thin and that he looked “dwarfed and wimpy”. To build himself up, he drank protein drinks every day and lifted weights for hours daily. At least 20 times a day he asked his father, “Do I look okay? Am I getting bigger?” Mark always wore long-sleeved shirts to hide his “skinny” arms and avoided going to the beach. When I (his therapist) met him, he was wearing five layers of T-shirts and sweatshirts to look bigger. (Phillips: 2009)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines muscle dysmorphia as a sub-type of body dysmorphic disorder and highlights the growing prevalence of male body dissatisfaction.
2. Bigorexics and their stories: Presents individual case studies to illustrate the daily psychological struggles and extreme behaviors of those suffering from the condition.
3. Signs and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia: Details the behavioral markers, such as over-exercising and disordered eating, that characterize the disorder.
4. Psychobehavioural factors: Examines the interplay between nutritional concerns, physique protection, and exercise dependence as contributors to muscle dysmorphia.
5. The Media as a contributor: Analyzes how societal standards and media representations of the "ideal male" influence body image development.
6. Co-occurring psychiatric disorders: Explores the overlap between muscle dysmorphia, eating disorders, and other psychological conditions.
7. Contributing factors: Discusses the role of genetics, upbringing, and childhood trauma in fostering the disorder.
8. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety: Investigates the structural similarities between muscle dysmorphia and OCD, specifically regarding intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
9. Sexual orientation concerns: Addresses misconceptions regarding the relationship between masculinity, self-esteem, and sexual identity in men with body dysmorphia.
10. Intervention strategies and treatment: Provides actionable advice for self-prevention, coaching, and professional psychological treatment.
11. Advice for the family: Offers guidance for family members on how to support a loved one struggling with an exercise disorder.
12. Additional reading: Lists recommended resources for further academic and practical insight.
13. APPENDICES: Provides diagnostic criteria, self-assessment questionnaires, and information on substances abused by athletes.
14. References: Contains the bibliography of cited books, articles, and web resources.
Keywords
Muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia, reverse anorexia, body dysmorphic disorder, body image, male body dissatisfaction, steroids, obsessive-compulsive disorder, exercise dependence, nutritional supplements, psychobehavioural, mental health, adolescent body image, Adonis complex, intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of muscle dysmorphia, exploring its causes, symptoms, and the intense psychological pressure on men to achieve a muscular physique.
What are the central themes discussed in the text?
The central themes include the psychological impact of body image distortion, the role of media in shaping unrealistic male standards, and the dangers of substance abuse and excessive exercising.
What is the core research goal of this document?
The goal is to increase understanding of "bigorexia" to help identify, prevent, and treat the disorder through informed support and psychological intervention.
Which scientific approaches are utilized?
The text relies on a review of psychiatric diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV), case studies, and existing research on the correlation between muscle dysmorphia, OCD, and nutritional habits.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections cover behavioral symptoms, the influence of childhood experiences, the prevalence of supplement and steroid abuse, and practical strategies for coaches and family members.
What are the key terms that characterize this study?
Key terms include muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia, bodybuilding, anabolic steroids, body dysmorphic disorder, and psychobehavioural factors.
Why does the author consider muscle dysmorphia a form of "hidden" suffering?
Many sufferers perceive their behavior as a dedication to fitness rather than a disorder, and due to the societal push for muscularity, the underlying anxiety and compulsive nature are often overlooked.
How can family members identify early warning signs of the disorder?
Warning signs include excessive time spent at the gym (over 2 hours daily), obsessive dietary habits, social withdrawal to accommodate workout schedules, and visible mood swings.
What is the relationship between anabolic steroid use and muscle dysmorphia?
Steroid use is often a perpetuating factor where the desire to rapidly increase muscle mass overrides health concerns, leading to physical damage and severe psychiatric side effects like aggression and depression.
Are the diagnostic criteria for muscle dysmorphia clearly defined?
Yes, the appendix includes specific diagnostic criteria focusing on the preoccupation with body size and the clinically significant impairment that arises from this focus.
- Quote paper
- Gary Elliott (Author), 2010, Bigorexia. When 'big' isn't big enough., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275074
