Eating Disorders In Men

In his book, "The Adonis Complex: The Secret Crisis of Male Body Obsession" (Free Press; 2000) Roberto Olivardia and his coauthors list a series of clues to body dysmorphic disorder in men:

1. Do you worry a lot about how you look? For example, do you spend at least an hour a day thinking you don't look right?

2. Does some aspect of your appearance really upset you? For example, does it get you down or make you anxious, frustrated or angry?

3. Do your appearance concerns cause problems for you at school, work or in relationships?

4. Are you sometimes late for things because you dislike your appearance or you're trying to improve it?

5. Is it hard to concentrate on school or work or are you less productive than you should be because of your appearance concerns?

6. Do you find yourself often checking mirrors or other reflecting surfaces such as windows trying to see how you look?

7. Do you often check your body directly, without using a mirror?

8. Is it hard for you to look in mirrors — and or do you even try to avoid looking in them — because you're so upset by what you see?

9. Do you try to hide the body areas you dislike — for example, wearing sunglasses or a hat, covering yourself with clothing or combing your hair in a way that hides areas you don't like?

10. Do you eat special diets to change your appearance?

If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult with a health care practitioner.

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