Muscle dysmorphic disorder (MDD)
Muscle dysmorphic disorder (MDD) is a subclass of body dysmorphic disorder that is characterized by an extreme obsession of not being adequately muscular or thin. People suffering from MDD are preoccupied with thoughts of being small and underdeveloped. In a bid to fix their muscle mass, people suffering from such obsession lift weights, engage in rigorous exercise and training, abnormal dieting and sometimes the extremities of taking steroid or other drugs capable of building their muscles, a practice with possibly fatal consequences. Research has shown that men suffer more from muscle dysmorphia from an onset age of 19 and that about 10% of body builders suffer from muscle dysmorphia. Perhaps the reason for this is related to the cultural and social definition of an ideal male- big and strong (muscular). Studies have also shown between 50% to 100% of men suffering from such obsession reports steroid abuse. People who are at risk of MDD are: athletes, weightlifters, people who have suffered from bullying or teasing, people who go to gym frequently.
CAUSES
These factors are responsible for the development of muscle dysmorphia:
Intense stress and anxiety
Compulsive comparing and checking of one’s physical appearance
Some profession that places more emphasis on physical appearance such as modelling, acting and body building.
Bad influence of societal stereotypes
Childhood experience of bullying or teasing
Family issues
Low self-esteem stemming from bad self-image
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Excessive or prolonged hour of (weightlifting, rigorous exercises)
Training even when injured.
Abuse of steroids or other body building products
Excessive usage of food supplements
Excessive thoughts about how frail and small the muscle mass is
Excessive analysis of one’s physical appearance in the mirror
Panicky when one misses a workout session
Distress or mood swings
Disordered eating
DIAGNOSIS
After initial medical evaluation to check the presence of other medical conditions, the health care provider may refer you to a mental health professional for additional assessment.
The diagnosis is based on:
A psychological assessment that estimates the risk factors and thinking pattern, behaviours and feelings that are related to an unhealthy self-image
Other medical history which includes personal, social, family and medical.
TREATMENT
A combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and medication serves as an essential tool in treating body dysmorphia.
The Food and Drug Administration has not specifically issued any medications for treating muscle dimorphic disorder, however, medications used in treating other mental disorders can be effectual. It is mostly believed that MDD is partly caused by problems associated with the brain chemical serotonin, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) which is an anti-depressant may be administered. SSRI happens to be more effective than other antidepressants and is able to control obsession and repetitive behaviour.
Cognitive behavioural therapy focuses on:
Challenging negative thoughts, emotional response and obsessive behaviour and learning alternate and flexible way of thinking.
Teaching behaviour that improves mental health
Dealing with negative self-image
The therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan to teach and strengthen coping skills
In rare cases where the symptoms are severe or when the patient is danger of harming himself, psychiatric hospitalization is recommended.