Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious mental health condition that affects both men and women, characterized by an excessive preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance. These perceived flaws are often minor or even imagined, but they can cause severe distress and negatively impact a person’s daily life. People with BDD can spend hours every day obsessing over their appearance, leading to significant impairment in their social, occupational, and academic functioning. In severe cases, BDD can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Symptoms of BDD
The main symptom of BDD is a preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance. These flaws can be minor or even imagined, but they can cause severe distress and negatively impact a person’s daily life. People with BDD may have obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviors related to their appearance, such as excessive grooming or mirror checking. They may also attempt to hide or camouflage the perceived flaws with clothing or makeup. Additionally, people with BDD may avoid social situations or activities due to embarrassment or fear of being judged, and they may have low self-esteem and self-worth.
Other symptoms of BDD include:
- Feeling self-conscious and anxious in social situations
- Comparing oneself to others and feeling inferior
- Seeking reassurance from others about one’s appearance
- Having a distorted self-image
- Engaging in repetitive behaviors, such as skin picking or hair pulling
- Having a history of depression or anxiety
Causes of BDD
BDD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Research suggests that brain chemistry and structure may play a role, as well as a history of trauma or abuse. Additionally, societal pressure to conform to certain physical standards may contribute to the development of BDD.
One of the most significant environmental factors that contribute to the development of BDD is societal pressure to conform to certain physical standards. This pressure is often amplified by social media and the constant bombardment of images of “perfect” bodies. People with BDD may feel that they are not measuring up to these standards and may feel self-conscious and anxious in social situations as a result.
Another environmental factor that may contribute to the development of BDD is a history of trauma or abuse. Individuals who have experienced traumatic events or have been bullied may be more likely to develop BDD. This is because traumatic events can lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem, which can contribute to the development of BDD.
Genetics also play a role in the development of BDD. Studies have shown that there is a genetic component to the disorder, and that people with BDD are more likely to have family members with the disorder. Additionally, brain chemistry and structure may also play a role in the development of BDD.
Treatment of BDD
Treatment for BDD typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. The most common form of therapy used to treat BDD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of therapy helps individuals with BDD recognize and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to their appearance. Additionally, medication such as antidepressants may also be prescribed to help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps individuals with BDD recognize and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to their appearance. This can include learning how to identify and change negative thoughts, such as “I am ugly” or “I am a failure,” and learning how to change negative behaviors, such as excessive grooming or mirror checking. CBT also helps individuals with BDD to develop a more realistic self-image and to learn how to challenge their distorted thinking.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is another type of therapy that may be used to treat BDD. This therapy involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared situation or object, and then teaching them how to cope with the anxiety and distress that arises. This can include teaching them how to manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to their perceived flaws.
Medications such as antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be used to treat BDD. These medications can help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are often present in people with BDD. Additionally, they can help to reduce the severity of BDD symptoms, such as obsessions and compulsions.
It’s important for individuals with BDD to seek professional help as soon as possible, as the condition can have a significant impact on daily life. BDD can be a chronic condition, but with appropriate treatment, individuals with BDD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious mental health condition characterized by an excessive preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance. These perceived flaws are often minor or even imagined, but they can cause severe distress and negatively impact a person’s daily life. The main symptoms of BDD include a preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws, obsessive thoughts, or compulsive behaviors, attempts to hide or camouflage the perceived flaws, avoiding social situations or activities, low self-esteem and self-worth, depression or anxiety. BDD is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
The most common forms of treatment are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP) and medications such as antidepressants. It’s important for individuals with BDD to seek professional help as soon as possible.
About The Author
Dr. Krisca is a highly-educated and skilled physician who has obtained a BS Public Health degree from the University of the Philippines Manila and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the De La Salle Medical Health Sciences Institute. She is a licensed physician and also a Registered Medical Technologist. She has received additional training in Hemodialysis for Non-Nephro Physicians on duty and has completed online courses in related fields like depression in populations from John Hopkins University and positive psychiatry from The University of Sydney. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of International Health in the University of the Philippines.
Dr. Krisca is known for her outstanding skills and compassionate approach to healthcare that make a positive impact on people’s lives. Through her passion for healthcare, she hopes to make a difference in the world and help people lead healthier, happier lives.
