Muscle Dysmorphia
A specific form of body dysmorphic disorder involving preoccupation with the idea that one’s body is insufficiently lean or muscular.
Overview
Muscle dysmorphia is a specific form of body dysmorphic disorder involving preoccupation with the belief that one’s body is too small or insufficiently muscular, despite appearing normal or very muscular to others.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include excessive time spent exercising or lifting weights, rigid dietary rules, avoidance of situations that expose the body, and significant distress about perceived inadequate muscularity. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause is not fully understood. Sociocultural pressures around body image, perfectionism, and low self-esteem are each associated with risk.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for body dysmorphic concerns has evidence supporting its use.
Medication
Certain medications used for body dysmorphic disorder may also be considered for muscle dysmorphia in some cases. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Muscle Dysmorphia
Reducing checking behaviors, such as frequent mirror-checking or body comparison, is often a component of treatment.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many people experience meaningful improvement with targeted cognitive behavioral treatment.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.