Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Coping Strategies and Support Resources

Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive preoccupation with physical flaws. Knowing the signs can help you get appropriate treatment.

Highlights:

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder focused on perceived physical flaws causing distress and impairment
BDD affects 1.7%-2.4% of the population, with higher prevalence in women and often goes undiagnosed
BDD commonly co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and eating disorders

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one's physical appearance that are either minor or nonexistent. This preoccupation can lead to significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, and other areas of functioning. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), BDD is classified as a somatic symptom and related disorder ().

There is a significant difference in awareness between eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in the general public. Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are more well-known and often receive more media attention than BDD. This may be due in part to the fact that eating disorders are more visible, as they often involve significant changes in weight and body shape, whereas BDD is more focused on perceived physical flaws that may not be observable to others.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder or Body Image Disorder Has High Success Rate on Treatment
Recent studies suggest that with enough time, and proper treatment, probability of full recovery from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is high.

‘Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental disorder where people excessively worry about their perceived physical flaws. It affects 1.7%-2.4% of the population and can co-occur with other mental health disorders. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and newer interventions like ACT and DBT.’

While there has been progress in increasing awareness and understanding of BDD in recent years, there is still a long way to go in terms of public recognition and acceptance of this disorder. Many individuals with BDD may not seek treatment due to feelings of shame or embarrassment, or because they may not be aware that their symptoms are related to a diagnosable mental health disorder.

Incidence and Prevalence

BDD is estimated to affect approximately 1.7% to 2.4% of the general population, with a higher prevalence among women than men (Veale, 2014). However, due to the secrecy and shame associated with the disorder, many cases may go unreported or undiagnosed. BDD often co-occurs with other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders.

Psychological Theories

The exact cause of BDD is unknown, but it is believed to be a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Some of the proposed psychological theories for BDD include cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and social learning theories. According to cognitive-behavioral theory, individuals with BDD have negative beliefs and distorted thoughts about their appearance, which lead to maladaptive behaviors, such as excessive grooming, checking, and seeking reassurance. Psychodynamic theory suggests that BDD may be related to unresolved psychological conflicts or trauma in early childhood. Social learning theory proposes that cultural and societal pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards may contribute to flawed self-image ().

Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

Signs and symptoms of BDD may include preoccupation with one or more perceived physical flaws, frequent checking or grooming behaviors, avoidance of social situations, excessive use of cosmetic products, and seeking multiple cosmetic procedures. These symptoms can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life and may interfere with their ability to function in daily activities ().

Increasing self-awareness about BDD can involve educating oneself about the disorder, recognizing and challenging distorted beliefs about one's appearance, and seeking professional help from a mental health provider. Treatment options for BDD may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both. It is important for individuals with BDD to seek help from a qualified mental health provider who has experience working with this disorder (,).

Recent Advances

In recent years, newer interventions for BDD have been developed, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). ACT focuses on helping individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings about their appearance without judgment, while DBT emphasizes skills training in areas such as emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BDD is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent preoccupation with one or more perceived physical flaws. It is associated with significant distress and impairment in functioning, and can be difficult to recognize or diagnose. Increasing awareness and understanding of this disorder can help individuals seek appropriate treatment and support.

References:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) - (https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm)
Demographic Characteristics, Phenomenology, Comorbidity, and Family History in 200 Individuals With Body Dysmorphic Disorder - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1351257/)
About Body dysmorphic disorder - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1742928/)

Source-Medindia

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Patients Have Higher Risk of Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity
Fear of being rejected because of one's appearance as well as rejection sensitivity to general situations are high in those suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a new study has revealed

Eating Disorders Linked to Body Dysmorphia
People with eating disorders are twelve times more likely to have body dysmorphic disorder, a mental condition characterized by an obsession with perceived imperfections in appearance, reports a new study.