Body dysmorphic disorder, muscle dysmorphia, weight and shape dissatisfaction and the use of appearance-enhancing drugs in the military: a systematic review.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
OCCUPATIONAL & INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
PSYCHIATRY
Journal
BMJ military health
ISSN: 2633-3775
Titre abrégé: BMJ Mil Health
Pays: England
ID NLM: 101761581
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
08 Jun 2022
08 Jun 2022
Historique:
received:
15
04
2022
accepted:
16
05
2022
entrez:
8
6
2022
pubmed:
9
6
2022
medline:
9
6
2022
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) are common but often underdiagnosed disorders. These disorders have rarely been explored in the context of military personnel by mental health researchers despite the emphasis on physical fitness in military populations. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review on scientific studies of BDD and MD and the accompanying symptoms within the military. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines and used PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO as databases with "body dysmorphic disorder," "muscle dysmorphia," "body image," "performance and image enhancing drugs," "anabolic steroid," military personnel," "soldiers," "navy," "air force," "army" and "armed forces" as search terms. A total of 20 eligible articles reporting data of 42 952 study participants were used. According to the identified literature, prevalence rates of BDD in the military are ~10% in men and ~20% in women, whereas ~15% of men and ~5% of women may suffer from MD. Further identified related problems in military populations were excessive bodybuilding, the use of anabolic drugs, the intake of stimulants, weight and shape concerns, and weight-control behaviours. BDD, MD, as well as the use of anabolic and stimulating drugs, are highly prevalent in military personnel. Despite the importance of these problems in the military, there are no military-specific treatment studies available. A pre-existing focus on physical appearance and fitness might contribute to the decision to pursue a professional military career. The military environment might be a maintaining factor of BDD or MD, but not the ultimate cause of the disorder in an affected individual.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and muscle dysmorphia (MD) are common but often underdiagnosed disorders. These disorders have rarely been explored in the context of military personnel by mental health researchers despite the emphasis on physical fitness in military populations. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review on scientific studies of BDD and MD and the accompanying symptoms within the military.
METHODS
METHODS
We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines and used PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO as databases with "body dysmorphic disorder," "muscle dysmorphia," "body image," "performance and image enhancing drugs," "anabolic steroid," military personnel," "soldiers," "navy," "air force," "army" and "armed forces" as search terms.
RESULTS
RESULTS
A total of 20 eligible articles reporting data of 42 952 study participants were used. According to the identified literature, prevalence rates of BDD in the military are ~10% in men and ~20% in women, whereas ~15% of men and ~5% of women may suffer from MD. Further identified related problems in military populations were excessive bodybuilding, the use of anabolic drugs, the intake of stimulants, weight and shape concerns, and weight-control behaviours.
CONCLUSIONS
CONCLUSIONS
BDD, MD, as well as the use of anabolic and stimulating drugs, are highly prevalent in military personnel. Despite the importance of these problems in the military, there are no military-specific treatment studies available. A pre-existing focus on physical appearance and fitness might contribute to the decision to pursue a professional military career. The military environment might be a maintaining factor of BDD or MD, but not the ultimate cause of the disorder in an affected individual.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35675995
pii: bmjmilitary-2022-002135
doi: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2022-002135
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Competing interests: None declared.