Objective: The present study aimed at comparing the prevalence of major psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and generalized anxiety disorder between performance-enhancing drug users and nonuser bodybuilders. Moreover, the prevalence of major psychiatric disorders in bodybuilders was also reported. Method: In this study, 453 athletes were r...

conclusions a higher number of bacterial flora was found in the bodybuilders particularly those using aas in comparison to the controls, which might be due to the influence of these aas on the skin microflora and transmission of the bacteria through the direct contact of the naked skin with the exercise instruments. background anabolic-androgenic steroids (aas) abuse by the athletes has dramati...

BACKGROUND Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse by the athletes has dramatically increased during the recent decades. These substances might increase the skin lipids and enhance the cutaneous microbial proliferation. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to investigate the potential side effects of AAS on the bacterial microflora colonization of the bodybuilders` skin. PATIENTS AND METHODS...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Extensive research has shown that male bodybuilders are at high risk for exercise dependence, but few studies have measured these variables in female bodybuilders. Prior research has postulated that muscular dysmorphia was more prevalent in men than women, but several qualitative studies of female bodybuilders have indicated that female bodybuilders show the same body image ...

The purpose of the study was to validate two measures of muscle dysmorphia (MD) into the Italian language. The sample included three participant groups: (1) competing bodybuilders, (2) non-competing bodybuilders, and (3) non-bodybuilding controls. In general the Italian versions of the scales showed psychometric utility that is consistent with the original instruments. The severity of MD was gr...

OBJECTIVES To investigate psychological correlates of exercise dependence in experienced and inexperienced bodybuilders and weightlifters. Secondary objectives included measuring social physique anxiety, bodybuilding identity, and social support among bodybuilders and weightlifters. METHODS Thirty five experienced bodybuilders, 31 inexperienced bodybuilders, and 23 weightlifters completed the...

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the features of Muscle Dysmorphia and other body image-related concerns in a sample of competitive male bodybuilders. Method: We screened 217 male athletes, 119 bodybuilders and 98 fitness practitioners, recruited in 12 gymnasiums in Southern Italy, by means of an ad hoc sociodemographic schedule, the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) ...

OBJECTIVES To investigate the factor structure, validity, and reliability of the bodybuilding dependence scale and to investigate differences in bodybuilding dependence between men and women and competitive and non-competitive bodybuilders. METHODS Seventy two male competitive bodybuilders, 63 female competitive bodybuilders, 87 male non-competitive bodybuilders, and 63 non-competitive female...