Muscle dysmorphia, a disorder most commonly experienced in males, is the obsession of feeling “too small” or belief that one has inadequate muscles. However, those with the disorder are usually not small, and have very well-developed muscles, but most are too self-conscious to recognize their muscular bodies.

Often referred to as “bigorexia” or “reverse anorexia,” those with this disorder constantly worry about how others perceive their appearance. They suffer from low self-esteem and a misconstrued body image, inflicted with constant self-doubt, causing them to exercise compulsively and adhere to a strict diet. These behaviors can even result in developing an eating disorder, such as bulimia. Those with this disorder can also experience depression or an anxiety disorder. Other risky behaviors employed to build bulk includes the use of steroids.

Muscle dysmorphia is attributed to genetics, psychological factors and/or societal pressures. The media barrage of images at all levels of our society send misguided messages that pressure individuals to try to measure up. The men who struggle with this illness view images that lead them to believe that “real men have muscles,” even in something that seems as innocuous as a toy like G.I. Joe. Women see similar messages, but most of the messages targeted towards women depict a different body, one that states that “beautiful women are thin,” with images like Barbie.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Checking themselves in a mirror up to 12 times a day.
• Becoming distressed if they miss a .
• Constant comparison of their own body to the bodies of others around them.
• The use of anabolic steroids – check out Powered by Me for information about the side effects of anabolic steroids use.
• Worrying about their percentage of body fat.
• Psychological symptoms – Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or hiding away for days at a time due to embarrassment about their body shape.
• Unlikely to come forward for treatment as they rarely see themselves as having a problem.

Diagnosis and Treatment: The disorder can be difficult to diagnose because patients often appear healthy. Many people with this disorder resist getting help as they are happy with the way they are, similar to individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. One way to help a family member or friend is to bring to their attention the negative impact the disorder has had on their lives, such as placing aspects of their personal lives on the backburner, like their career or relationships.

Studies have shown positive responses from individuals treated with a combiniation of antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps the patient to analyze their problem using logical steps to understand the thought process behind their behaviors and make changes in their thinking, which will allow them to subsequently change the behaviors that follow.

To begin to make changes, our culture needs to take a look at our priorities and the messages that it is imposing on its youth.