Muscle dysmorphia, sometimes called “bigorexia,” is a type of body image disorder. While the public is generally more familiar with anorexia, characterized by an obsession with losing weight, "bigorexia" is essentially the opposite. Sufferers of muscle dysmorphia display an unhealthy obsession with gaining muscle mass, driven by an irrational belief that their current body is not muscular enough. Although muscle dysmorphia is often considered a type of eating disorder alongside anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the DSM-V actually classifies it as a subtype of dysmorphic disorder, which registered in 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 Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Debate exists as to whether muscle dysmorphia is truly body dysmorphia. Based on research, some suggest that it is best classified as an eating disorder. One study found that muscle dysmorphia sufferers, compared to healthy people who attended the gym, had disordered eating habits more similar to those with eating disorders (Murray & Touyz, 2013) . Another study analyzed men with body dysmorphia, comparing those who had muscle dysmorphia with other members of the group who did not. The study found that men with muscle dysmorphia had a lower quality of life, were more likely to have attempted suicide, and were more likely to have substance use disorders (Pope et al, 2005 ). Victims of muscle dysmorphia exhibit other traits similar to those of eating disorder victims, such as avoiding social activities due to perceived flaws, changing their clothing choices to hide their body, and reporting being unable to control 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 even appear healthier than most people (Leone et al 2005). What further complicates the diagnosis is that about half of victims have little or no information about their body image disorders. They are therefore unlikely to seek treatment or even agree that their behavior is abnormal or unhealthy (Tod et al, 2016). As this disorder is relatively new, having only been officially recognized by the American Psychological Association in 2013, it is less well understood and less known to the general public than 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 in differentiating between a fitness enthusiast and someone obsessed with body image makes diagnosing muscle dysmorphia difficult. The DSM-V addresses this problem by classifying a pattern of behavior as obsessive-compulsive when the victim engages in repetitive behavior or mental acts (such ascompare to others) and when the victim's preoccupation with an imagined defect causes "clinically significant distress" or when it causes "impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning" (APA, 2013). According to the DSM-V definition of obsessive-compulsive disorder, of which muscle dysmorphia is a subtype, a normal gym goer or fitness enthusiast would not be classified as having muscle dysmorphia. The diagnosis would be based on whether the individual frequently compares themselves to others, avoids social activities out of embarrassment, or engages in unhealthy behavior (such as steroid abuse or an unhealthy diet) due to the distress caused by dysmorphia. . Despite these difficulties in identifying people with muscle dysmorphia, the typical victim looks like the following: • Usually male (Mosley, 2009) • If female, she is likely to have been the victim of sexual assault before experiencing symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (Gruber and Pope, 1999)• On average, spends 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 their muscles (Phillips, 2009)• Feel unable to resolve their worries (Mosley, 2009)• Exercise and diet regimens interfere with work and social life (Mosley, 2009 )Due to the short time that muscle dysmorphia has been recognized and studied, there is little evidence to support treatment methods. Research indicates that the prevalence of muscle dysmorphia is due at least in part to 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 idealized and unattainable standards (fitness magazines, bodybuilding websites, etc.) could help victims better align with reality and could help prevent the acquisition of muscle dysmorphia in the first place. Anecdotal evidence and limited case studies have shown promising results from family-based treatment, but more data are needed to strongly support this 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, as these inhibitors are a standard intervention for other body dysmorphic disorders. This, too, is not yet firmly supported by evidence, and debate exists as to 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). Keep in mind. : This is just a sample.Get a personalized article now from our expert writers.Get a custom essayIn conclusion, muscle dysmorphia remains a poorly understood disorder that causes a lot of suffering to its victims. Due to lack of public understanding, victims are unlikely to seek help and feel unincluded in body positivity movements that focus on combating beauty standards that idealize petite women while ignoring beauty standards that idealize muscular men. Additional 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 evolve toward norms that are healthy and accessible to all. Association, 2013) Katharine A Phillips,. 1999;40(4):273–277