What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Lots of us spend a lot of time and effort on our appearance. We wear makeup, work out at the gym, buy flattering clothes, and style our hair, all done in hope of looking more attractive. Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are beset by a more extreme version of these normal appearance concerns. BDD is characterized by a time-consuming and potentially disabling preoccupation with imagined or slight defects in one's appearance or excessive concern about a slight physical anomaly.
Although virtually any body part can become the source of preoccupation, BDD most commonly involves the eyes, ears, nose, skin, chin, jaw, or other facial features.
People with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) worry about their appearance, believing, for example, that they are balding, their ears stick out too far, they are overweight, or their nose is too big. They refuse to believe others that their appearance is normal. People can become fixated or obsessed with particular areas of their body and have difficulty accepting that there is no actual problem present.
The condition's severity varies - some people can manage it, others have their lives ruined by the disorder. People with BDD are constantly comparing their appearance with people around them, and check their own appearance often in mirrors.
It's estimated that Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects 1 in 50 people, mostly teenagers and 20-something's, though this is not always the case. Often the person is a perfectionist, like most people with eating disorders. Nothing is good enough because the person cannot see that what they have done is absolutely fine, or that they are on the border of near death (in the case of anorexia and extreme weight loss). Low self-esteem is a trademark of those with BDD as they feel like colossal failures for their perceived physical flaws.
BDD can lead or take after other psychiatric problems as well. Depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, anxiety issues, agoraphobia, and trichotillomania (hair pulling) are all problems that commonly follow or trigger BDD.
Some sufferers from BDD are often picking at skin, and excessive dieting or exercise may be signs of the disorder. Some sufferers regularly seek confirmation about the supposed flaw from other people and research the area extensively. But they will often avoid social situations where the perceived defect might be exposed.
Many sufferers are very secretive about the condition and do not reveal the symptoms to others. Many health professionals are not aware that BDD is a psychiatric disorder that can be treated. Sufferers often see a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or other doctor rather than a mental health expert, though these treatments are unhelpful. The condition is easy to trivialise.
However, there have been a number of cases of suicide linked to BDD and so this is a serious problem.
Psychiatric treatment, including medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy can be effective in decreasing symptoms and the suffering it causes.
Medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and fluoxetine (Prozac), can relieve obsession and decrease distress and depression, allowing the sufferer to function normally.
Body dysmorphic disorder can be a secretive condition and may not be immediately recognizable, even to parents or other family members. Adolescents with BDD may spend a lot of time alone in the bathroom; they may appear to be distant and self-preoccupied. Be concerned if your family member engages in excessive grooming rituals or asks repeatedly for assurance about appearance yet is unable to be reassured.
Surprisingly, responding with reassurance will only heighten the concerns. Although it may be difficult, it is best to refrain from providing reassurance. Try to avoid commenting directly about the supposed defect; do not encourage visits to the dermatologist or plastic surgeon but instead support psychiatric treatment.
Research to date shows that surgical treatment is not helpful for sufferers with BDD. Individuals who have surgery are usually dissatisfied with the results, or, if satisfied, tend to re-focus their concerns on another part of the body. Remember, Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychiatric and not a surgical disorder.
There are several things parents can do to alleviate their child's suffering. First, take the disorder seriously. Second, avoid reassuring your friend/family member that they look okay but instead encourage them to talk openly about their concerns. Third, encourage and support psychiatric treatment and discourage surgical treatment.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy can also help reduce compulsion. Counselling alone is not said to be as effective.
If you think you are a sufferer of BDD it is best to seek professional help, as this is a problem that can be helped and controlled with the right treatment and counselling.
