Body dysmorphia, also called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is an emotional
well-being condition that makes an individual have a distorted and obsessive
and fanatical perspective on their physical appearance. It is assessed that
1-2% of the population might be impacted by BDD, and it can altogether affect
an individual s quality of life.
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which an individual
can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived imperfections in their
look - a defect that seems, by all accounts, to be insignificant or
can’t be noticed by others. Be that as it may, it is joined by feelings
of embarrassment, disgrace, and
anxiety to the place where an individual avoids numerous social
circumstances.
Since there is an extreme preoccupation with appearance and how an individual
sees their body, they spend a lot of energy everyday checking themselves in
the mirror, grooming , and continually searching for reassurances. The
perceived flaw, joined with the repetitive behavior, gives individuals
experiencing body dysmorphia a great deal of emotional anguish and hinders
their ability to function in everyday life
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Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder
The symptoms of body dysmorphia can differ from one individual to another but
typically include a preoccupation with perceived imperfections or deformities
in one’s physical appearance. This preoccupation can be extraordinary to
such an extent that it disrupts daily existence and causes critical distress.
Some common symptoms of BDD include:
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Obsessive thoughts about one’s appearance, like, continually taking
a look at one’s appearance in mirrors or other reflective surfaces.
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Engaging in excessive grooming such as excessive hair washing or plucking.
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Repeatedly looking for reassurance from others around one’s
appearance.
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Avoiding social situations or activities because of worries about
one’s appearance.
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Comparing oneself with others, and feeling inferior.
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Engaging in repetitive behaviors, like, skin picking or excessive exercise
to attempt to enhance one’s appearance.
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Often changing clothing or makeup to try and hide perceived imperfections.
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Believing that one’s appearance is imperfect and it interferes with
daily existence, work, or social connections.
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Feeling anxious, depressed, and ashamed.
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Suicidal thoughts
People with body dysmorphic disorder may excessively emphasize on at least one
part of their body, like the face, hair, skin, breasts, genitalia, or body
built. Men may be more likely to experience muscle dysmorphia, where they view
their body built to be excessively small or not solid enough. Insight into the
disorder can vary, for some people perceive that their beliefs about their
appearance might be excessive or not true, while others are convinced that
their perceived imperfections are genuine.
Causes of body dysmorphic disorder
The causes of body dysmorphia are not well understood, but it is believed to
be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some
possible causes of BDD include:
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Genetics: There may be a genetic component to body dysmorphia, as it
appears to run in families.
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Chemical imbalances: There may be an imbalance of certain chemicals in the
brain that contribute to the development of BDD.
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Childhood trauma: Childhood experiences, such as bullying or abuse, may
contribute to the development of BDD.
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Societal pressure: Societal pressure to conform to certain beauty
standards can contribute to the development of BDD, particularly in
individuals who are already vulnerable to this type of thinking.
Diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder is diagnosed by a mental health expert who assesses
your symptoms and their impact on your daily functioning. The following
criteria must be met for a BDD diagnosis to be made:
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You must exhibit an excessive preoccupation with a minor or imagined flaw
in your appearance.
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Your preoccupation with the perceived flaw must be disruptive enough to
impede your ability to function normally.
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Your symptoms cannot be attributed to another mental health condition.
-
Individuals with BDD often experience other mental health conditions, such
as
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder , social anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
-
There are several treatment options available for body dysmorphia,
including therapy and medication.
BDD vs. Normal Body Image Concerns
While it s normal to feel self-conscious about specific parts of one s
appearance, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) goes beyond ordinary insecurities.
BDD is a clinical condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with
perceived flaws that are minor or non-existent. These perceived imperfections
include significant distress and interfere with daily functioning, unlike
ordinary worries, which are manageable and fleeting.
People with BDD might spend hours focusing on their appearance, engaging in
repetitive behaviors like mirror checking, or avoiding social circumstances
completely. In contrast, normal body image concerns ordinarily don t disrupt
life to such an outrageous degree. Recognizing this distinction is essential
for understanding when professional intervention is needed to help
psychological well-being and prosperity.
A study was conducted by Phillips et al. (2005) that features the significant
quality of life impairments experienced by people with Body Dysmorphic
Disorder (BDD), showing that their psychosocial functioning is often more
severely impacted than those with
depression or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder . BDD symptoms, based on perceived physical
flaws, lead to significant emotional distress, social withdrawal, and
occupational difficulties, severely limiting daily life activities. The
research highlights the requirement for comprehensive treatment approaches
that address both the psychological symptoms and the profound social and
emotional impairments, underlining that BDD is a debilitating mental health
condition as opposed to a simple cosmetic concern.
Therapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
is the most commonly used type of treatment for BDD. CBT focuses on changing
the negative thought patterns and behaviors related with body dysmorphia. In
CBT, individuals figure out how to challenge their negative thoughts and
replace them with more positive ones. They also learn coping techniques for
managing anxiety and stress connected with their appearance.
Another type of treatment that might be useful for BDD is exposure and
response prevention (ERP). ERP includes gradually exposing people to
circumstances that trigger their
anxiety connected with their appearance, like going out in public without
makeup or covering up perceived imperfections. The individual then, at that
point, figures out how to tolerate the anxiety without engaging in their
typical compulsive behaviors, like extreme grooming or staying away from
social situations.
When to see a therapist/ psychiatrist:
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an
excessive preoccupation with one’s appearance and repetitive behaviors
connected with the perceived imperfection. The disorder can lead to
significant distress, impairments in social and occupational functioning, and,
even thoughts of suicidal and behavior, if left untreated. It is essential to
look for help from healthcare services or mental health professionals if you
are experiencing signs or symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. Treatment
choices, like
Cognitive behavioral therapy
and medication, can assist with reducing distress and enhance functioning.
Without treatment, the disorder can deteriorate over time and lead to serious
outcomes.
Supporting your loved one suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
If you suspect that a loved one has Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), it is
crucial to approach situations with patience, empathy, and understanding. Here
are a few steps you can take:
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Educate yourself about BDD: Learn as much you can about
BDD, its side effects, and the accessible treatment choices. You can begin
by reading reputable websites or books on the subject.
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Express your concerns: Approach your loved one with care
and express your issues about their prosperity. Let them know that you
have noticed a few signs that might demonstrate that they have BDD.
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Be a good listener: Listen to your loved ones’
concerns and sentiments without judgement. Try to understand what they are
going through and how it is impacting their life.
-
Encourage them to seek professional assistance: Encourage your loved
one to look for professional assistance from a mental health expert who
is experienced in treating BDD. Let them know that looking for help is
definitely not an indication of weakness, but rather a courageous step
towards improving.
-
Offer help: Offer to accompany your loved one to
appointments, assist them with tracking down a therapist, or provide them
with emotional assistance all throughout their treatment.
Remember that it might require your time and patience for your loved one to
accept that they have BDD and look for treatment. However, your assistance and
understanding can have a significant effect in their recovery.
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