In an ideal world, everyone would like to be perfect, whether it be their work, life or physical appearance. There are times when people are irked by the appearance or structure of certain parts of their bodies. For some people, either their nose is crooked, too long or not symmetrical. For some their eyes are not proper, lips, or other parts of their bodies aren’t to their liking. 

“Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that, to others, is either minor or not observable. But you may feel so ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations” – Mayo Clinic.

For most of us these minor imperfections are irksome but we are able to ignore it and lead our lives, but for someone who is suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, these imperfections are perceived to be defects. These imperfections or flaws are very emotionally disturbing for someone who has Body Dysmorphic Disorder, so much so that their entire attentions shifts to the perceived defect and they have trouble in their daily functioning. 

SYMPTOMS OF BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER:

Signs and symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder as listed by the Mayo Clinic include:·

  • Being extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that to others can't be seen or appears minor.
  • Strong belief that you have a defect in your appearance that makes you ugly or deformed.
  • Belief that others take special notice of your appearance in a negative way or mock you.
  • Engaging in behaviors aimed at fixing or hiding the perceived flaw that are difficult to resist or control, such as frequently checking the mirror, grooming or skin picking.
  • Attempting to hide perceived flaws with styling, makeup or clothes.
  • Constantly comparing your appearance with others.
  • Always seeking reassurance about your appearance from others.
  • Having perfectionist tendencies.
  • Seeking frequent cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction.
  • Avoiding social situations.
  • Being so preoccupied with appearance that it causes major distress or problems in your social life, work, school or other areas of functioning.

You may obsess over one or more parts of your body. The feature that you focus on may change over time. The most common features people obsess about include:·

  • Face, such as nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne and other blemishes.
  • Hair, such as appearance, thinning and baldness.
  • Skin and vein appearance.
  • Breast size.
  • Muscle size and tone.
  • Genitalia.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder usually develops in adolescence or in the teenage years, and research indicates that Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects both men and women equally. 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder shares some features with Eating Disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorders are both concerned with body image. The one thing that distinguishes the two is that when it comes to Eating Disorders, the individual is worried about the entire shape and weight of the body, whereas, an individual with Body Dysmorphic Disorder is troubled about a specific part of the body.

On the other hand, individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have distressing and repetitive thoughts, fears or images (Obsessions) that they have no control over. These thoughts lead to anxiety and there is an urgent need to perform certain routines or rituals (Compulsions). When it comes to Body Dysmorphic Disorder, the individual’s preoccupation with the defect leads to ritualistic behaviors such as constantly looking in the mirror, picking at the skin,seeking surgery, excessive grooming, excessive exercise and changing clothes excessively. All these compulsive and repetitive behaviors usually manage to give only temporary relief to the individual. 

CAUSES OF BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER:

Brain differences: Research suggests that certain abnormalities in the brain structure or in the brain neurochemistry can play a role in causing Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Genes: Research also suggests that Individuals who have blood relatives who are suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are more likely to have Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Traumatic Experiences: Individuals who have undergone any kind of traumatic experience, neglect, abuse or bullying in their childhood are more likely to develop Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Other Mental Health Disorders: Having other mental health disorders like Depression, Anxiety or Substance abuse can also be a contributing factor towards developing the condition.

Poor Self- Esteem: The world that we live in today places a lot of importance on the way one looks. Having a negative body image, poor self-esteem or someone criticizing the way you look can also create a stream of thoughts which when intensified can contribute towards the development of Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

COMPLICATIONS:·

  • Anxiety Disorders.
  • Major Depression or other mood disorders.
  • Substance abuse.
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder.
  • Eating disorders.
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

TREATMENT OF BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER:

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps individuals understand and recognize the irrational and negative thoughts that are a part of the condition. CBT helps in making patients understand how these irrational thoughts affect their emotions and their behavior and how they tend to form cognitive distortions about situations. With the help of CBT one can learn to identify the triggers to these thoughts and identify the cognitive distortions and challenge these irrational and negative thoughts and deal with them in a much more rational manner.

MEDICATION:

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is thought to be caused partly by problems related to the brain chemical Serotonin and in order to help relive the obsessive and compulsive symptoms of the condition, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed. Fluoxetine, Olanzapine, Arpiprazole or Pimozide are mainly prescribed. 

POINTS TO REMEMBER:·

  • Adhere to your treatment plan.
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol.
  • Commit to therapy.
  • Practice the strategies as instructed by your therapist.
  • Exercise is of utmost importance.
  • Build social support for yourself.

“The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself” – Maya Angelou.