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
Online Psychotherapy
Get a personalized therapy plan according to your concerns
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:
-
Obsessive thoughts about one’s appearance, like, continually taking
a look at one’s appearance in mirrors or other reflective
surfaces.
-
Engaging in excessive grooming such as excessive hair washing or
plucking.
-
Repeatedly looking for reassurance from others around one’s
appearance.
-
Avoiding social situations or activities because of worries about
one’s appearance.
-
Comparing oneself with others, and feeling inferior.
-
Engaging in repetitive behaviors, like, skin picking or excessive
exercise to attempt to enhance one’s appearance.
-
Often changing clothing or makeup to try and hide perceived
imperfections.
-
Believing that one’s appearance is imperfect and it interferes
with daily existence, work, or social connections.
-
Feeling anxious, depressed, and ashamed.
-
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:
-
Genetics: There may be a genetic component to body dysmorphia, as
it appears to run in families.
-
Chemical imbalances: There may be an imbalance of certain chemicals
in the brain that contribute to the development of BDD.
-
Childhood trauma: Childhood experiences, such as bullying or abuse,
may contribute to the development of BDD.
-
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:
-
You must exhibit an excessive preoccupation with a minor or
imagined flaw in your appearance.
-
Your preoccupation with the perceived flaw must be disruptive
enough to impede your ability to function normally.
-
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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Start your online counselling and
Online Therapy
journey with techniques such as
cognitive behavior therapy
with the best psychologist in India at HopeQure.
Online Counselling & Therapy
Get help for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues