Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), sometimes called body dysmorphic syndrome, is a psychological condition in which a person has an unrealistic and negative view of his or her appearance. About one in 100 people suffer from the disorder. Women are more likely to suffer from the condition but men can be affected by it, too. It affects people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Symptoms of body dysmorphic syndrome include an obsession with physical appearance and the belief that some flaw in your appearance makes you extremely unattractive or abnormal looking. The perceived flaw may be real or imagined. For instance, you may have a perfectly normal nose but believe that your nose is exceptionally large. Or, you might have a very small scar on your chin that is barely noticeable but believe that it’s so noticeable everyone is always staring at you and that people are disgusted by it.
People with body dysmorphic disorder may spend a great deal of time looking in the mirror or they might avoid mirrors altogether. They may refuse to have their picture taken. They may avoid social situations because they are afraid of being seen by others.
People with the disorder may also spend a great deal of money on things like make up and grooming products. They may undergo repeated cosmetic procedures in an attempt to correct or conceal their perceived flaw.
If you or someone you know has symptoms of the condition, it is advisable to seek a consultation with a qualified mental health professional for a diagnosis.
Complications of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Complications of body dysmorphic syndrome include depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia disorder. People may develop eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia. They may turn to alcohol or drugs. In severe cases, people may even become suicidal.
Medical complications may arise from excessive cosmetic procedures and the high cost of such procedures can lead to financial difficulties for some people. Of course, people with eating disorders often experience medical complications, as well; sometimes eating disorders are even fatal.
Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Treatment for body dysmorphic syndrome generally involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, although sometimes just one or the other is utilized. Unfortunately there is no quick or simple fix for the condition, but treatment is often effective over time.
There are many different styles of psychotherapy, but cognitive behavioral therapy may be most helpful for someone with this condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people make connections between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. This in turn allows them to begin to change their behaviors. Look for a therapist that has training and experience in treating this type of condition.
While the Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medications specifically for the treatment of body dysmorphic syndrome, the Mayo Clinic reports that a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be helpful for people with the condition. When treating this disorder, though, a higher dose of an SSRI may be needed than the typical dose used for depression. It is recommended that you seek out a psychiatrist that has training and experience in treating this disorder to prescribe and monitor your medication if you decide to try medicine to treat your condition.
If you also suffer from complications of the condition like anorexia, bulimia, depression or generalized anxiety disorder, you should seek treatment for that as well. Psychotherapy and medication can be used to treat depression and anxiety. People with eating disorders usually require some medical care and nutritional counseling and education as well as therapy and possibly medication.