Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts about perceived flaws or imperfections in one’s appearance — even if these flaws are minor or not noticeable to others.
Is Treatment Available In My State?Table of Contents
- What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
- What Causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
- What are the Risk Factors for Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
- What are the Signs and Symptoms for Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
- How is Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treated?
- What Can I Do to Prevent Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
- Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider?
- References
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived flaws in their appearance. They often believe that an inconspicuous or even non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect, and that they must do whatever they can to correct it. People who have BDD cannot control these thoughts, which can cause consistent emotional distress to the point of interfering with their daily lives.
What Causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
We do not know the exact cause of BDD, but it usually starts in the teenage years when physical appearances become more of a concern. Body dysmorphic disorder can affect all genders and is more prevalent than most people realize. The disorder currently affects about 2% of the population and frequently co-occurs with other mental health challenges such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), disordered eating, depression, and anxiety.
What are the Risk Factors for Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
There are several different risk factors that could mean someone is more likely to develop BDD:
- Abuse or bullying
- Low self-esteem
- Fear of being alone
- Perfectionism
- Feeling competitive with others
- Genetics
- Depression and anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What are the Signs and Symptoms for Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Signs and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include:
- Being extremely preoccupied with one or more perceived flaws in your appearance that are not observable by others
- A strong belief that you have a defect in your appearance that makes you ugly
- Engaging in behaviors aimed at fixing or hiding the perceived flaw
- Constantly comparing your appearance with others
- Constantly checking yourself in a mirror or avoiding mirrors
- The preoccupation with perceived flaws causes significant distress or challenges in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning.
How is Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treated?
Body dysmorphic disorder is diagnosed by a licensed health professional, such as a psychotherapist or psychiatric professional. Treatment often includes a combination of:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focused on changing a person’s thinking and behavior.
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) that uses real-life situations to expose inaccurate self-perceptions.
- Antidepressant Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to lessen repetitive thoughts and anxiety.
- Group Therapy or Family Therapy to learn to understand the disorder and recognize the signs and symptoms.
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What Can I Do to Prevent Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
You cannot prevent someone from getting body dysmorphic disorder, but you can help keep it from getting worse. If someone you know has BDD you can:
- Discuss realistic attitudes with them about body image, particularly in regard to what is exhibited on social media.
- Encourage them to start treatment as soon as they show symptoms of having BDD.
- Provide a supportive environment to help that person cope with their disorder.
Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder
People with body dysmorphic disorder may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms, so they may not receive the diagnosis or treatment they need. Social isolation can result if the person becomes too self-conscious to go out in public. People with BDD are also at a higher risk of developing depression or suicidal behavior. Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder can get worse as people get older and experience the physical changes that come with aging.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, it is important to know that you are not alone, that this is real, and that help is available.
When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider?
It is very important to take BDD seriously and to recognize that it’s a significant challenge for those experiencing it. The suicide rate among individuals with BDD is 45 times higher than those without BDD. If you or someone you know is dealing with body dysmorphic disorder, please seek help from a professional as soon as possible.
References
Body Dysmorphic Disorder FAQ
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition where a person cannot stop thinking about perceived flaws in their appearance and feel that they must do whatever they can to correct them.
Body dysmorphia is an anxiety disorder, not an eating disorder. Not everyone with body dysmorphic disorder has an eating disorder, but some may focus on how they eat as a possible way to change their physical appearance.
Yes. Treatment, including therapy, can help people improve their symptoms and decrease their fixation on their perceived physical flaws.
Yes, because people with body dysmorphic disorder often compulsively check themselves out in a mirror or groom themselves frequently, which are both considered obsessive behaviors.
Body dysmorphic disorder usually starts in the teenage years when concern over physical appearance becomes important. Men and women have an equal chance of developing this disorder.
Talk to someone who can help. LifeStance is your resource for finding the right mental health professionals to deal with body dysmorphic disorder and other related mental health issues.
