Megalorexia: Causes, Treatment Methods, and Consequences of Grandiose Delusions
Laura Schneider
2026-03-25
6 min. read
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The tripartite sections
Muscle dysmorphic disorder (bigorexia): compulsive pursuit of extreme muscular hypertrophy
Bigorexia, clinically referred to as muscle dysmorphic disorder or Adonis complex, represents a behavioral addiction characterized by an uncontrollable, pathological preoccupation with developing an excessively muscular physique across the entire body. Mirroring the cyclical nature of other addictive disorders, this condition manifests in distinct phases—including a withdrawal phase (triggered by interruption of intense training regimens), compulsive and excessive physical exercise, relapse despite awareness of adverse consequences, and persistence in training despite sustained injuries or medical contraindications. A defining feature is the phenomenon of denial: individuals afflicted with bigorexia frequently fail to recognize the pathological extent of their behaviors, instead rationalizing them as "standard" or "essential" within the context of their athletic pursuits, typically bodybuilding or strength training. The disorder follows a chronic, relapsing course, marked by periods of symptom exacerbation and temporary remission.
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