I am not muscular enough, I need to build my muscles more: A detailed look at muscle dysmorphia

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to examine muscle dysmorphia, a psychological disorder characterized by the perception of own body as less muscular than it is, preoccupation with muscularity, and intense engagement in muscle-building actions. For this purpose, first, information about the history, symptoms, prevalence, and etiological factors of muscle dysmorphia was presented. Then, negative consequences of muscle dysmorphia, the comorbid psychological disorders with muscle dysmorphia, and the treatment methods for muscle dysmorphia were addressed. In addition, the ongoing debates about the diagnostic classification of muscle dysmorphia were discussed by referring to its similarities with the related psychological disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders). Finally, the studies on muscle dysmorphia in the Turkish literature were summarized, and then the relationship between bodybuilding and muscle dysmorphia was examined. This review article, which contains up-to-date information on muscle dysmorphia, was expected to increase scientific studies and social awareness about this new phenomenon in Turkey

Keywords

• muscle dysmorphia
• muscularity
• bodybuild-ing