What is Body dysmorphic disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which people obsess about one or more perceived imperfections in their appearance, even if they are minor or invisible to others. However, people might feel this fear, shame, and aversion to social situations. When you suffer from body dysmorphic disorder, you become fixated on how you seem and how you view your body. You might spend a lot of time each day grooming, staring in the mirror, or seeking approval. Due to your perceived fault and the recurring behaviours that hinder your ability to operate in day-to-day life, you feel a lot of distress. The Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) sufferer eventually becomes so obsessed on the flaw that it negatively affects their ability to function in social, professional, and personal circumstances. Usually, it begins during adolescence or the first few years of adulthood. The most prevalent sources of worry for people with BDD are as follows:
- Skin imperfections: Wrinkles, scars, acne, and pimples are a few types of skin imperfections.
- Hair: This could refer to body or head hair as well as the lack of hair.
- Face: Usually, this refers to the nose, but it might also refer to the size and form of any feature.
- Body weight: Sufferers may get obsessed on their weight or muscular definition.
Other areas of concern include the size of the genitalia, muscles, breasts, thighs, hips, and the presence of particular body odors.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
- Wearing a hat, scarf, or makeup, trying to conceal a body portion, never stopping to groom or exercise and comparing oneself to others all the time
- Using time-consuming and repetitive actions to try to hide or cover up the perceived flaw, such as staring in the mirror or plucking at the skin.
- Repeatedly seeking assurances that the problem is neither noticeable or overly evident
- Measuring or touching the alleged mistake repeatedly
- Experiencing difficulties at work, in school, or in relationships as a result of your unwillingness to shift your attention away from the perceived flaw
- Avoiding social situations because of embarrassment or feeling uneasy around others
- Repeatedly seeking advice from dermatologists or plastic surgeons to find methods to enhance their appearance and seeing numerous medical professionals concerning your appearance
Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
(BDD)The exact cause of BDD is unknown, but it may be related to
- Genetics – If you have a relative with BDD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or depression, you are more likely to develop BDD.
- chemical imbalances in the brain
- Past traumatic experiences – If you were teased, bullied, or abused as a child, you are more likely to develop BDD. Some people with BDD also have other mental illnesses such as OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, or eating disorders.
What causes body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?
Body dysmorphic disorder is thought to be caused by a variety of environmental, psychological, and biological causes. Bullying or teasing can create or exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, and shame.
How is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) treated?
Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) may includes; Cognitive behavioural therapy, family and group therapy, exposure and response prevention and medication.
(1) Cognitive behavioural therapy: cognitive behavioural therapy often known as psychotherapy, it aims to change a person’s cognition and behaviour. Patients can change their perception of the problem and reduce their compulsive behaviours through therapy.
(2) Family and group therapy: Family support is essential for a successful recovery. Family members learn about the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder and how to recognize them.
(3) Exposure and response prevention: Exposure and reaction prevention uses the person’s own ideas and actual occurrences to demonstrate to them that their self-perception is false.
(4) Medication: Body dysmorphic disorder may be treated with antidepressant medicine such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Self-Care
People with body dysmorphic disorder need to take care of themselves both physically and mentally.
Preparing for your appointment
You might opt against receiving therapy for body dysmorphic disorder if you feel self-conscious or ashamed of your appearance. However, if you have any signs and symptoms, consult one of India’s top psychiatrists and psychologists or a mental health specialist. The best method to focus on identifying, monitoring, and changing the negative thoughts and behaviours about your looks is to discuss how to do so with your therapist and mental health expert.
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