Muscle dysmorphia research neglects DSM-5 diagnostic criteria

This systematic review aimed to collect, evaluate, and synthesize the research on muscle dysmorphia (MD) post official recognition as a specifier for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in the DSM-5, and provide recommendations for future research. Literature searches were conducted in four databases to see if inclusion criteria were met. Results revealed 33 studies meeting inclusion criteria, none of which utilized DSM-5 criteria for MD and/or acknowledged the criterion in their research. Few studies acknowledged the association between MD and BDD, and the methodological quality of recent MD research was considered low due to a lack of clinical samples, measurements not using validated cut-off scores, and the research designs. In conclusion, future MD research is encouraged to utilize DSM-5 diagnostic criteria to better inform clinical practice; and significantly improve the methodological quality. As such, more effective treatment options may be developed reducing the risk of health harming consequences in these individuals

Intervention development for people with muscle dysmorphia symptoms:best practice and future recommendations

Symptoms of muscle dysmorphia carry significant risks for people’s health and wellbeing. A key priority is therefore to support this group in reducing their symptoms and distorted behaviors to mitigate against the development of clinically severe muscle dysmorphia. However, few interventions exist and there is a need to develop new programs urgently. In this article, we provide researchers and practitioners with evidence-based recommendations on how to effectively achieve this. Recommendations are based on the health intervention development literature and the Intervention Mapping Protocol is introduced as a valuable tool for systemizing the development process. We encourage and now call on researchers and practitioners to action this imminent and important task of developing interventions to address muscle dysmorphia symptoms

Muscle dysmorphia in Norwegian gym-going men: an initial investigation

The aims of the present study were to validate the Norwegian translated Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) and explore the presence of muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptomatology in Norwegian gym-going men. A secondary aim was to examine differences in MD symptomatology and weekly training duration (WTD) according to the participants’ body mass index (BMI), and further investigate relationships between all measured variables. Participants (N = 124; Mage = 24.8, SD = 6.7 years) completed the translated MDDI, and according to BMI, 65 participants were of normal weight and 59 were overweight. A good fit from the confirmatory factor analysis, the results from the construct validity from the principal components analysis, and the detected good internal consistency indicate that the Norwegian translated MDDI is a valid and reliable measure for MD symptomatology. Moreover, MD symptomatology was present with mean scores of 33.7 (SD = 6.6), 15.2 (SD = 3.9), 10.4 (SD = 3.5), and 8.1 (SD = 2.6) for the MDDI total, and for the subscales drive for size (DFS), functional impairment (FI), and appearance intolerance (AI), respectively. Statistical significant differences were detected between the normal weight and overweight participants in DFS, AI, FI (d≤.4, p.05). Lastly, WTD had a statistically significant correlation with FI and BMI (p<.01); whereas BMI had a statistical significant correlation with DFS, FI, and AI (p<.05). In conclusion, the translated Norwegian MDDI was found to be valid, but additional validations are needed with larger sample sizes. The presence of MD symptomatology and WTD was higher in the overweight compared to the normal weight participants. The findings further suggest that the subscale scores might better assist practitioners in evaluating MD concerns and offer appropriate care, as a MDDI cut-off score have yet to be validated

Evaluating a motivational and psycho‐educational self‐help intervention for athletes with mild eating disorder symptoms: A mixed methods feasibility study

Objective The primary aim was to assess the feasibility of undertaking a study evaluating the novel Motivational and Psycho-Educational Self-Help Programme for Athletes with Mild Eating Disorder Symptoms (MOPED-A). A mixed-methods approach was adopted to explore the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants, and to evaluate the acceptability of measures, procedures and the intervention. A secondary aim was to explore the potential efficacy of MOPED-A in reducing athletes' eating disorder symptoms. Method Thirty-five athletes were recruited. Participation involved completing MOPED-A over a 6-week period and completing self-report measures at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2) and 4-week follow-up (T3). A subsample (n = 15) completed an interview at T2. Results Retention was good throughout the study (n = 28; 80%). Quantitative and qualitative feedback suggested the format, delivery, content and dosage of MOPED-A were acceptable. Athletes valued that the intervention was tailored to them, and this facilitated both participation and completion. Over a third of participants reported disclosing their eating difficulties and deciding to seek further support. Large reductions in eating disorder symptoms were detected at T2 and sustained at T3. Conclusions The MOPED-A intervention can be feasibly implemented, is acceptable to participants, and demonstrates potential for reducing symptoms in athletes. A larger, controlled trial is warranted

My father, myself, and my muscles:associations between muscle dysmorphia, narcissism and relationship with father among exercising males

Research has yet to examine the associations between muscle dysmorphia (MD), narcissism and relationship with father in a male population. This study aimed to address this. We hypothesized that a negatively experienced relationship with the father for males will lead to an increase in MD symptoms due to undermined self-esteem that stems from a lack of the father as a positive masculine role model. A total of 503 exercising males (Mage = 28.5, SD = 9.6 years) completed self-report measures of MD, narcissism, and relationship with father. Our hypothesized indirect effect model found a negative indirect effect of relationship with father on MD symptoms via vulnerable narcissism, but not via grandiose narcissism. Analysis of individual path coefficients also revealed that a poor relationship with father impacts the development of vulnerable narcissism, but not grandiose narcissism. These findings alert practitioners to the fact that some individuals' MD symptoms may be an attempt to protect the fragile self-esteem central to vulnerable narcissism. Practitioners should consider exploring individuals' feelings and perceptions about their fathers in the treatment of MD. Moreover, future research should build on these findings and explore the observed associations in a longitudinal design to assess the causal model.publishedVersio

Support for athletes with eating psychopathology symptoms: Exploring the views of athletes, coaches and sport practitioners

Eating psychopathology is prevalent among athletes yet little is known about how to effectively support athletes with eating difficulties. This study aimed to understand athletes’ and sport professionals’ experiences of, and perspectives toward, supporting athletes with eating psychopathology. Forty-five participants took part in the study and data were collected using two methods: (a) individual interviews were held with athletes with current or previous eating psychopathology symptoms (n = 13); and (b) six focus groups were conducted: two with athletes with no history of eating psychopathology (n = 13), two with coaches (n = 7), and two with sport practitioners (n = 12). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and two overarching themes were identified. Theme 1 (Tensions around addressing eating psychopathology in athletes) highlighted challenges with communication, conflicting perceptions around the responsibility of addressing and intervening with athlete eating concerns, and difficulties with obtaining relevant and timely support for athletes. Theme 2 (Considerations for developing practical tools to support athletes with eating psychopathology) highlighted a desire for future resources to consider confidentiality, to preserve athletes’ identities and facilitate independence where the athlete is in control of the degree and pace of engagement. In conclusion, tensions exist between athletes and sport professionals which make addressing eating psychopathology in athletes difficult. There is a need to develop accessible, confidential and tailored practical support resources which athletes can engage with independently to support them in the early stages of an eating problem.publishedVersio