Depresión, baja autoestima y ansiedad como factores de riesgo de dismorfia muscular: revisión sistemática

: Muscle dysmorphia is the pathological concern of not being muscular enough, which causes great discomfort. It has been associated with other pathologies such as depression and anxiety disorders or low self-esteem. It is estimated that its prevalence is higher among men and those who engage in muscle mass development exercises. The objective is to analyze the relationship of muscle dysmorphia with anxiety disorders, depression and self-esteem, in bodybuilders and other athletes at higher risk. A systematic review has been carried out following the PRISMA guidelines during the process, including 20 investigations found in different databases (ProQuest and Scopus mainly). The results seem to confirm a significant relationship between the presence of muscle dysmorphia and populations dedicated to physical exercise related to the development of muscle mass. The relationship between this disorder and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as low self-esteem, also seems plausible. Therefore, the presence of these symptoms could be risk factors for muscle dysmorphia, although causality studies would be necessary to be able to conclude, with greater certainty, the true relationship between these variables.