Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
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All of us at one point or another have been dissatisfied with our physical appearance. When we gain weight for instance we may become dismayed with how we feel and look. We may become insecure and lose body confidence when we look in the mirror. Although we may feel unhappy with our body image at times, most of us do not become obsessed to the point where it is constantly on our minds and causes us distress.
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Then there are those of us who compulsively worry about our body and self image. We become so fixated and distraught over our physical appearance, that it affects almost every aspect of our lives.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is when a person is obsessed with a minor or imagined flaw in their physical appearance. To others this flaw is trivial, but it shames the BDD sufferer to the point where their social abilities are impaired on some level. They are so extremely critical of their body image that they attempt to hide or get rid of their perceived flaw. In severe cases they can become a social recluse.
Those suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder can spend hours a day fixated on their body image. They are either obsessed with looking at themselves in the mirror or avoid them altogether. BDD is NOT a vanity driven disorder. It is just the opposite. In fact, Body Dysmorphic Disorder is linked with low self-esteem.
Physical attributes that are most commonly criticized by Body Dysmorphic Disorder sufferers include but not limited to: skin imperfections, nose shape and size, and hair such as baldness. Other areas may include ones butt, thighs, stomach and even the presence of odors. The area of distress may change, however.
Severity of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Those with mild Body Dysmorphic Disorder can still function on a social level, however their daily lives are still affected. They usually develop compulsions and rituals to relieve BDD induced stress. For example, they may engage in excessive skin picking and excessive grooming. They may compare body parts to another person’s or exercise way too much. Those with BDD may also spend a great deal of time getting ready for social interaction, or are constantly reapplying and checking makeup every chance they get. They may become troubled thinking about being seen without makeup, even around a spouse or significant other. In the summer, those with mild BDD may feel severe anxiety about going swimming and may make excuses to avoid the pool at all costs.
Severe cases of Body Dysmorphic Disorder can lead to a loss of social interaction altogether. They may be afraid to leave the house out of fear of being seen. They avoid interacting with friends and family and leave their jobs. Serious BDD is also considered a risk factor for suicide.
Who is Affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Approximately 1% of Americans are affected with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Both men and women suffer from it, although women are more likely than men to seek treatment.
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Some symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder include:
- Low self-esteem
- Obsessive thoughts about a perceived defect
- Extreme self-consciousness
- A feeling that a perceived defect is being stared at or ridiculed
- Unable to focus at work because of a perceived defect
- Constantly asking for reassurance about a perceived defect being too noticeable
- Compulsive measuring
- Anxiety about being out in public
- Constantly researching plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other medical specialists for ways to improve appearance
- Obsessive mirror checking or mirror avoidance
- Excessive dieting and exercising
- Extreme skin picking
- Inability to look at one’s own photographs
What Causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder typically develops in teenagers when appearance can be a major concern. The exact reason for BDD is unknown although research suggests that a number of factors may be involved. A few of these factors include environmental, psychological, and biological.
Culture, negative life experiences and even the media can contribute to BDD. The media and culture in American society, for example, glamorizes super thin models and well defined men. This view of what is beautiful is not realistically attainable by most. This can lead to low self esteem and self worth.
Psychological trauma such as teasing or harsh criticism can also play a part in BDD; especially in young kids. An event in a youth’s life may cause extreme self-consciousness. Constantly being told you are ugly, or smell as a child for instance can have a lasting impact.
Studies also suggest that genes may play a part in Body Dysmorphic Disorder. People are more likely to have BDD if someone related to them is also suffering from it.
Treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder includes medications and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Medications such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors help reduce the compulsive behavior that results in BDD. Therapy involves getting the person with BDD to practice being in social situations while refraining from usual obsessive routines. They take steps to prevent the person from covering up the perceived defect. The overall goal is to get the person to change their view of themselves.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, please seek treatment.