Mirror mirror on the wall who's the strOngest of them all?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25752/psi.18630Keywords:
Behavior, addictive, Exercise, Androgens, Muscle dysmorphiaAbstract
Background: The advantages of regular physical exercise are many and undeniable. It is a paradox when associated with physical dependence and behavioral addiction, consumption of substances and muscle dysmorphia. The concept exercise’s addition goes back to last century, but does not configure in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, version 5 and in the International Classification of Diseases, version 10.
Aims: Exploratory analysis of the concepts exercise’s addiction, muscle dysmorphia and anabolic steroids androgens abuse.
Methods: Theoretical review of bibliography in pubmed in relation to the topics.
Results and Conclusions: Since classical antiquity that muscular body shape is associated with the image of heroism and success. Regular phisical exercise is socially accepted as a demand for health and well-being. With the increase of these beliefs more and more individuals with pathology related to exercise addition appears. Studies indicate that 3% of the population has this symptoms, a number that doubles in younger samples, due to cultural and social changes. It causes occupacional dysfunctionality with symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal, a decrease in other pleasurable activities and inability to stop even with injuries and social problems. Associated with abusive exercise is the consumption of anabolic steroids androgens abuse and muscle dysmorphia, in which individuals perceive a defect in their muscle mass. Most likely in an attempt to show themselves strong and healthy, associated with fear of weak and vulnerable opinion, these individuals will not seek help from health services and when they do, it will be late in their careers. Many international studies have emerged in relation to these possible entities/ symptoms, and there is still no consensus regarding their psychopathology. There are no Portuguese studies that evaluate the prevalence or adverse consequences. Population studies are needed to assess the investment needs in prevention, early identification and therapeutic approaches.
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