Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is also known as BDD, a preoccupation with some imagined physical defect in ones appearance or undue exaggerated concern about any minute problem. This preoccupation leads to significant impairment in ones life and makes him or her indulge in self, leading to detachment from the world.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is in some cases mild and in others a body image disorder. In BDD, a person gets overly concerned about his/her appearance. This individual starts giving more time to his defects which leads to fear of socializing and limiting oneself. The individual may spent hours in front of the mirror or thinking about his or her disorder.
This disorder is most often concerned with facial features, hair or odor. The individual’s concentration on his or her defects makes them oblivious to their surrounding and they start neglecting their routine life such as school or work. They may also try to approach physicians and risk painful procedures to get rid of the imaginary defect.
Other Symptoms Associated with Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Glancing frequently in the mirror or avoiding them
- Picking skin
- Wanting reassurances regarding the defect
- Repeated grooming rituals
- Touching the defect
- Anxious when in company of others
- Exercise excessively
- Get very particular regarding their diet
Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is often associated with social phobia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Chronic BDD can lead to major depressive problems. If it is associated with delusions, it is classified as Delusional disorder.
Parietal lobe of brain, Anorexia Nervosa as well as Gender Identity Disorder are some of the other conditions that are confused with Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Severity of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- It may lead to extreme avoidance behavior which may result in isolation from loved ones such as family and acquaintances.
- It may lead to suicidal behavior.
- Depression may be caused due to feelings of imperfection.
Treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
At times it is difficult for the patient to accept treatment as he or she does believe that the disorder has a physical origin. For this purpose different strategies are planned to help the patient.
- Medications called serotonin-reuptake, also known as SRI are helpful for BDD.
- A therapy called Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT is helpful.
- Individual should be treated with love by the family and provided encouragement to face certain situations.
This disorder can develop in adolescence and can last well into the later years. The patients should be treated as a normal people and shown love and kindness but should not be indulged in their preoccupation with the defect. |
