Yahoo News What is body dysmorphic disorder and 16 signs you may have it
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition in which a person is preoccupied with imagined flaws in their appearance. These flaws are typically not visible to others.
BDD can impact individuals of all age groups, although it tends to be more common among teenagers and young adults. It can affect both males and females.
The condition can significantly disrupt your everyday routine - impacting your job, social interactions, and personal connections. BDD may also result in feelings of depression, self-harm, and thoughts of suicide.
The precise cause of BDD remains unknown. However, it may be associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain or a past traumatic experience.
The NHS suggests there may be a genetic component and you may be more likely to develop BDD if you have a relative with the condition itself, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression, reports the Mirror.
You might have body dysmorphic disorder if you:
Checking your appearance in mirrors, or avoiding mirrors completely
Using heavy make-up to try to hide the area you're concerned about
Changing your posture or wearing heavy clothes to disguise your shape
Seeking reassurance about your appearance
Overexercising, often in a way that targets the area you're worried about
Body checking with your fingers
Picking your skin to make it smooth
Using tanning products or skin-lighteners
Weighing yourself
Brushing or styling your hair
Comparing yourself with other people
Changing your clothes
Shopping for beauty products or over-the-counter treatments
Taking selfies
Using social media image filters or photo editing apps
Seeking cosmetic surgery or having other types of medical treatment to change the part of you that causes you distress
Individuals with BDD perceive themselves in a different way compared to how others perceive them. While each person's journey with BDD is distinct, there are certain shared symptoms. According to mental health charity, Mind, if you have BDD, you develop compulsive and repetitive behaviours and routines to deal with the anxiety you feel about your appearance.
Beat, the UK's eating disorder charity, estimate that around 1.25 million people in the UK have some form of an eating disorder. Anyone can have one, no matter what their age, gender, ethnicity, background, or social class.
The charity claimed that "not all men and boys with an eating disorder will feel driven to become more muscular. Everyone who experiences an eating disorder experiences it in a way that is unique to them".
Getting help for body dysmorphic disorder:
Seeking help for BDD can be very challenging, but it's important to remember that there's nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. Getting help is crucial because your symptoms probably won't disappear without treatment, and they may worsen.
If you think you might have BDD, you should see a GP. Only a doctor can diagnose you with BDD. They'll likely ask several questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life.
They may also inquire if you've contemplated self-harm. You might be treated by the GP, or they could refer you to a mental health specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
You can also directly refer yourself to an NHS talking therapies service without needing a GP referral. Some individuals might find it beneficial to contact or join a support group for advice, information, and practical tips on managing BDD.
You can ask your doctor about any groups in your area, and the BDD Foundation provides a directory of local and online BDD support groups.
If your symptoms are relatively mild, you should be referred for a type of talking therapy known as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which you can have either individually or in a group. If you have moderate symptoms, you should be offered either CBT or a type of antidepressant medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
If your symptoms are more severe, or other treatments have not been effective, you should be offered CBT in conjunction with an SSRI. If treatment with both CBT and an SSRI has not improved your BDD symptoms after 12 weeks, you may be prescribed a different type of SSRI or another antidepressant called clomipramine.
If you do not see any improvements in your symptoms, you may be referred to a mental health clinic or hospital that specialises in BDD, such as the National OCD/BDD Service in London. These services will likely conduct a more thorough assessment of your BDD.
