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
- Introduction
- Bigorexics and their stories...
- Signs and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia...
- Psychobehavioural factors...
- The Media as a contributor...
- Co-occurring psychiatric disorders..
- Contributing factors...
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety..
- Sexual orientation concerns...
- Intervention strategies and treatment.
- Advice for the family..
- Additional reading...
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the psychological and social factors contributing to muscle dysmorphia, a sub-type of body dysmorphic disorder. It explores the characteristics and behaviors of individuals suffering from bigorexia, focusing on the impact of social pressure, media influence, and the pursuit of a perceived ideal physique. The paper aims to raise awareness about this often overlooked condition and provide insight into potential intervention strategies and treatment approaches.- The definition and prevalence of muscle dysmorphia
- The impact of social and media pressures on body image
- The psychological and physiological effects of muscle dysmorphia
- Strategies for intervention and treatment
- The importance of family support and awareness
Chapter Summaries
Introduction
This chapter introduces muscle dysmorphia, a sub-type of body dysmorphic disorder, and explores the prevalence of this condition among men. It emphasizes the discrepancy between the individual's perceived body image and their actual physique, highlighting the obsessive thoughts and feelings of inadequacy that drive their behavior.Bigorexics and their stories...
This chapter presents case studies of four individuals struggling with muscle dysmorphia. Their stories reveal the emotional distress, social isolation, and unhealthy coping mechanisms associated with this condition. It illustrates how the pursuit of an unrealistic body image can lead to self-destructive behaviors and impact various aspects of their lives.Signs and symptoms of muscle dysmorphia...
This chapter delves into the behavioral patterns and physical characteristics associated with muscle dysmorphia. It analyzes the common symptoms, such as excessive weightlifting, distorted body image perception, and extreme dietary restrictions. The chapter also highlights the potential dangers of steroid use and the social withdrawal that often accompanies this disorder.Keywords
Muscle dysmorphia, bigorexia, body dysmorphic disorder, body image, social pressure, media influence, excessive exercise, steroid use, intervention strategies, treatment, family support.- Arbeit zitieren
- Gary Elliott (Autor:in), 2010, Bigorexia. When 'big' isn't big enough., München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275074
