Body Dysmorphic Disorder is characterised by persistent preoccupation about one or perceived effects or flaws in one’s appearance but the defects can’t be seen by others. Or characterised by the preoccupation with an imagined defect in body appearance.
In This Article:
- What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
- What Is It About?
- What Are The Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
- What Are The Signs and Symptoms of BDD?
- How to Help Teens Suffering From This?
- When To See A Doctor?
What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws or defects in one’s physical appearance, which are often minor or not observable to others. Individuals with BDD spend a significant amount of time worrying about their appearance, engaging in behaviors like excessive grooming, mirror checking, or seeking reassurance from others. This preoccupation can lead to severe distress, anxiety, and impairment in daily functioning, affecting their social life, work, and relationships. BDD is more than just vanity or low self-esteem; it’s a serious disorder that often requires professional treatment, including therapy and, in some cases, medication. Understanding and addressing BDD is crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected.
If there is any slight physical defect, the patient’s concern for the same is exaggerated. It is commonly seen in teenagers ( with an equal ratio in girls and boys ) and in young adults.
It is considered as a type of obsessive compulsive disorder ( ocd ) and related disorders. The flaw may be minor or major, but the person spends hours a day trying to fix it. These perceived defects and obsession about things causes distress and irritability , thus , it leads to disturbances in daily life. In this disorder people try to avoid social situations or gatherings and even feel anxious to step outside. Bdd is a somatoform disorder and dsm-5 classified it as obsessive compulsive disorder .
What Is It About?
- Comparing themselves with others
- Checking the mirror persistently
- Camouflaging their perceived flaws
- Seeking reassurance
- Try to fix or in hiding the flaw
Most common areas of concern seen by the patients are:
- Skin: wrinkles, acne and scar etcetera
- Hair
- Facial defects
- Body weight and muscle
- Breast size
- Penis size
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Nose shape and size
- And sometimes body odours
Patients focus on one or more parts of the body , this can be unwanted and difficult to control oneself causes problems in daily life.
What Are The Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
As other mental disorders , body dysmorphic disorder causes
Includes:
- Genetic
- Developmental
- Psychological
- Social
- And cultural
- Past trauma
- Social anxiety
Usually, body dysmorphic disorder causes social anxiety, and leads to social avoidance. Nowadays, constant use of social media and comparison of oneself from others causes low self esteem and body dysmorphic disorder.
Excessive social media and selfie taking are used as tools to get verification from others such behaviour leads to constant need of approval from others, self evaluation and even depression.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of BDD?
- Constantly checking mirror
- Seeking approval from others
- Social anxiety and avoidance
- Comparing oneself from others
- Depression
- Self evaluation and low self esteem
- Attempting to hide perceived flaws with makeup, styling and excessive exercises , that leads to irritation and even depression
- Make themselves starve and try to lose weight
- Skin picking and makeup
Thus, BDD patients require psychotherapy and consultation .
This is the only way they can be treated. Avoid usage of social media and try to capture socially.
How to Help Teens Suffering From This?
Provide them with space to talk freely and openly with you about their feelings . Parents should try to talk to their kids frequently and teach them to feel good about themselves .
One should not talk about their own insecurities to the patients of bdd
Some therapies that can help teenagers of BDD:
Cognitive behavioural therapy: it is a type of psychotherapy that helps people learn how to change and identify disturbing thought patterns that have negative effects on behaviour and emotions on oneself .
Psychotherapy (antidepressants): like sertraline helps in depression induced by body dysmorphic disorder.
Self motivation: Teenagers try to avoid social media usage and build self esteem. Surround themselves with positive and good people.
Body Positivity: Being positive about their body and others .
When To See A Doctor?
When bdd causes severe depression and severe anxiety, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and self harm. Patients should see a doctor as soon as possible and consult with them.
And if you see anyone who is having body issues , make them feel good about themselves and if they are having serious issues , you should take them to the doctor .
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3181960/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc1672181/
