Testosterone, Non-Binary Identity and Bigorexia By Rick Collins, Esq.
A: There are various names for this subcategory of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): muscle dysmorphia, “the Adonis Complex,” and, yes, bigorexia. 1 The criteria for BDD include, “preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.” In muscle dysmorphia, the perceived defect is inadequate muscularity – thinking you’re puny no matter how jacked you get. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes the disorder in its current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, 2013). 2 Studies suggest prevalence anywhere from 1 percent to 54 percent of the male population. Among steroid users, one study reported that muscle dysmorphia preceded steroid use in 73 percent of participants.