Muscle dysmorphia, sometimes called “bigorexia,” is a type of body image disorder. While the public is generally more familiar with anorexia, which is characterized by an obsession with losing weight, “bigorexia” is essentially the opposite. Victims of muscle dysmorphia exhibit an unhealthy obsession with gaining muscle mass, motivated by the irrational belief that their current body is not muscular enough. Although muscle dysmorphia is often considered a type of eating disorder along with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, according to the DSM-V it is actually classified as a subtype of dysmorphic disorder, which falls on the obsessive-compulsive spectrum unlike anorexia nervosa (APA, 2013). . Unlike many other body image disorders, muscle dysmorphia disproportionately affects men, many of whom have a normal, healthy body weight or are actually more muscular than average (Phillips, 2009). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay There is a debate about whether muscle dysmorphia is really body dysmorphia. Based on the research, some suggest it is best classified as an eating disorder. One study found that muscle dysmorphia victims, compared to healthy gym-goers, exhibited disordered eating habits more similar to people with eating disorders (Murray & Touyz, 2013). Another study analyzed men with body dysmorphia, comparing those who had muscle dysmorphia with others in the group who did not. The study found that men with muscle dysmorphia experienced a lower quality of life, were more likely to attempt suicide, and were more likely to experience substance use disorders (Pope et al, 2005). Victims of muscle dysmorphia exhibit other traits similar to eating disorder victims, such as avoiding social activities due to perceived flaws, altering clothing choices to hide their bodies, and reporting feelings of not being able to control their harmful behaviors. (Tod et al, 2016). Compared to other disorders, a victim of muscle dysmorphia can be difficult to identify. Unlike many victims of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, people with muscle dysmorphia are often physically unremarkable. They may also appear healthier than most people (Leone et al 2005). To further complicate the diagnosis, around half of victims have little or no knowledge of their body image disorder, so they are unlikely to seek treatment or even agree that their behavior is abnormal or unhealthy (Tod et al, 2016) . Because the disorder is relatively new, having only been formally recognized by the American Psychological Association in 2013, it is less understood and is not as well known to the general public as other body image disorders. As with other disorders, it can sometimes be difficult to determine when normal behavior crosses the threshold into pathological behavior and becomes a health problem. The difficulty of distinguishing between a fitness enthusiast and an unhealthy person obsessed with body image complicates the diagnosis of muscle dysmorphia. The DSM-V addresses this issue by classifying a pattern of behavior as obsessive-compulsive when the victim engages in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (such as comparing oneself to others) and when the victim's preoccupation with an imagined flaw causes "clinically significant distress" or when it causes "impairment of functioningsocial, occupational, or other" (APA, 2013). According to the DSM-V definition of obsessive-compulsive disorder, of which muscle dysmorphia is a subtype, a regular gym-goer or fitness enthusiast would not be classified as having from muscle dysmorphia. The diagnosis would be based on whether the individual frequently compares himself to other people, avoids social activities out of embarrassment, or engages in unhealthy behaviors (such as steroid abuse or an unhealthy diet) due to the discomfort caused by the dysmorphia. Despite these difficulties in identifying people with muscle dysmorphia, the typical victim appears as follows: • Usually male (Mosley, 2009) • If female, she is likely to have been a victim of sexual assault before showing symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (Gruber). and Pope, 1999)• On average, spend more than three hours a day imagining being more muscular (Mosley, 2009)• Around 50% deny having a problem (Tod et al, 2016)• 20% use steroids to improve muscularity (Phillips, 2009)• Feels unable to resolve worries (Mosley, 2009)• Exercise and diet interfere with work and social life (Mosley, 2009)Due to the short period of time during which muscle dysmorphia has been recognized and studied, there is little evidence to support treatment methods for it. Research indicates that the prevalence of muscle dysmorphia is driven, at least in part, by exposure to Western media that emphasizes muscularity in men (Yang et al, 2005). Based on this, it is possible that limiting exposure to representations of unattainable idealized standards (fitness magazines, bodybuilding websites, etc.) may help victims better align with reality and may help prevent the acquisition of muscle dysmorphia. Anecdotal evidence and limited case studies have shown promising results from family-based treatment, but more data is needed to strongly support it as a treatment method (Tod et al, 2016). Because muscle dysmorphia is classified as a body dysmorphic disorder, some advocate the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors since these are a standard intervention for other body dysmorphic disorders. This is also not yet strongly supported by evidence and there is debate regarding whether muscle dysmorphia should be classified as a dysmorphic disorder or whether it would be more accurately described as an eating disorder (Murray and Touyz, 2013). : This is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, muscle dysmorphia remains a poorly understood disorder that causes much suffering to its victims. Due to a lack of public understanding, victims are unlikely to seek help and do not feel included in body positivity movements that focus on combating beauty standards that idealize small women while ignoring beauty standards that idealize men. muscular men. More research is needed to help classify muscle dysmorphia, as well as to fully understand its causes and develop effective treatments. As awareness improves and treatments are developed, Western culture can continue to move toward healthy, attainable standards for all. References American Psychiatric Association, 'Body Dysmorphic Disorder', Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013) Katharine A Phillips, Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder: An Essential Guide (New York: Oxford University Press, 2009), pp 50–51 James E Leone, Edward J Sedory and Kimberly A Gray, "Recognition and Treatment. 1999;40(4):273–277