Muscle dysmorphia: Historical review and updates in its diagnostic, assessment and treatment

The growing scientific production related to Muscular dysmorphia (MD) makes it clear that men also suffer body image pressures. This article aims to describe the historical background and recent studies that clarify its diagnostic conceptualization and different etiological models; also, an update on the assessment tools and treatment is presented. According to the DSM- 5, the MD represents a specific type of body dysmorphic disorder. However, the new scientific findings relate MD more closely to eating disorders, both in the clinical profile and the proposed treatment. In turn, the etiological models underscore the importance of assessing body image in the development of MD, which is modulated by psychosocial factors. Also, in recent years specific instruments have been developed to assess male body dissatisfaction and DM. However, the lack of consensus on its classification hinders evaluation and understanding, and the description provided by DSM-5 is still insufficient.