Prevalence of symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and associated features in Swiss military recruits: a self-report survey

Abstract

Background Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), defined as the obsessive idea that some aspect of one’s own body or appearance is severely flawed/deformed, is relatively common in the general population and has been shown to have strong associations with mood and anxiety disorders and substance abuse disorders. Furthermore, a previous study on symptoms of BDD among people in the military showed that muscles are an important area of preoccupation. Hence, this study aimed to 1. assess the prevalence of BDD symptoms in Swiss military recruits, 2. specify the areas of preoccupation, and 3. analyze associated features (depression and alcohol/drug abuse). Method A total of 126 Swiss male military recruits (age: M = 20.12, SD = 1.09, range: 18–24) were examined using self-report measurements to assess symptoms of BDD, depression, alcohol/drug abuse. Results The results showed that symptoms of BDD were relatively common (9.5% reached the cutoff value for probable BDD, 84% reported some symptoms), with the muscles as the most common area of preoccupation. A positive correlation (r = .38, p < .001) between depressive symptoms and symptoms of BDD was found, thus no correlation between alcohol/drug abuse and symptoms of BDD. Conclusion The results indicate a need to develop and implement measures for prevention (e.g. raising awareness among the military) and intervention in this specific population.

Body dysmorphic disorder, muscle dysmorphia, weight and shape dissatisfaction and the use of appearance-enhancing drugs in the military: a systematic review

“…Campagna and Bowsher 11 reported prevalence rates of BDD (13% in men, 22% in women, 18% in soldiers, 12% in sailors, 13% in airmen) and prevalence rates of MD (13% in men, 4% in women). Another study comprised of 126 male Swiss military recruits showed that symptoms of BDD were common, with 9.5% assessed for probable BDD and 84% reporting some symptoms of BDD 30…”

“…Regarding the branch of service, BDD seems to be more prevalent in soldiers (18%) than in sailors (12%) and airmen (13%). The prevalence of MD can be estimated to be ~15% in men and ~5% in women 4 8 11 30. These prevalence rates are much higher than those found in the normal population18–20 which indicates that BDD and MD are of particular relevance in military populations.…”

“…Women expressed more dissatisfaction with their appearance and lower self-esteem compared with men5 which might explain the higher prevalence of BDD found in women 11. Apart from BDD and MD and their symptoms, eating disorders, eating disorder symptoms and disordered eating were also reported to be highly prevalent in military personnel, particularly in women 3 8–11 29 30…”

Futsal Como Estratégia Terapêutica Para Indivíduos Com Dependência Química

“…De acordo com Brito et al (2021), trabalhos motivacionais realizados pelos profissionais de educação física e pelas academias de musculação podem contribuir para a manutenção do indivíduo nesse ambiente, acarretando menores índices de abandono.…”

“…Em um estudo feito com adolescentes por Schneider e colaboradores(2019), foi observado que 44,1% dos participantes do sexo masculino demonstraram mais preocupação associando aos músculos. Isso os motivava a se entregar ao crescimento muscular, se baseando em estratégias de mudança corporal, com o uso de diferentes suplementos, dietas muitas vezes sem orientação profissional e a prática excessiva de atividade física.De acordo com Bashir e colaboradores(2021), dos 211 fisiculturistas avaliados em seu estudo, todos apresentaram algum grau de Dismorfia Muscular. Os participantes foram classificados da seguinte forma: prevalência de dismorfia muscular leve (13,7%), dismorfi muscular moderada (62%) e dismorfia muscular grave (23,7%) o que confirma a elevada preocupação com a aparência física em jovens, como relatado anteriormente com outros autores.Druger e colaboradores(2021), observaram em seu estudo que a principal área de preocupação dos avaliados que apresentavam sintomas de TDC, eram seus músculos e 84% da amostra estudada demonstrou os sintomas.…”