Muscle Dysmorphia: Fake Natty Syndrome
How does the media influence Muscle Dysmorphia? PsychElite Performance Thomas Regan 9/11/17 What is Muscle Dysmorphia? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has categorised muscle dysmorphia, also known as bigorexia, as a psychopathology disorder. Under the category of an Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCD). The criteria includes: “preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others”(DSM-V). So for example, a bodybuilder, will always 'measure' himself in the mirror to see what they need to work on in order for them to look 'symmetrical.' In addition, the DSM-V include the person performing repetitive behaviours such as looking in the mirror most of the time, flexing, checking themselves out and comparing themselves to others such as magazines. People with muscle dysmorphia, often having low self-esteem, tend to feel that they are too small