What is Body Dysmorphia?

Body Dysmorphia, or Body Dysphoric Disorder (BDD), is a mental disorder in which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance. This is often a flaw that appears minor or can't even be seen by others. 

Body Dysmorphia, or Body Dysphoric Disorder causes you to intensely focus on your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror or grooming or seeking reassurance. This can sometimes last for many hours each day. Your perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviors will cause you significant distress, and impact your ability to function in your daily life.

You may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures, intense workout routines or diets,to try to "fix" your perceived flaw. Afterward, you may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in your distress, but often the anxiety returns and you may resume searching for other ways to fix your perceived flaw.

Body Dysmorphia, or Body Dysphoric Disorder can only be diagnosed by a mental health professional and treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy or medication.

So, now that we have identified what Body Dysmorphia, or Body Dysphoric Disorder is, let’s talk about what it is not. 

Some of the biggest misconceptions about Body dysmorphia in the media is that this disorder can refer to the whole body. The center of Discovery for Mood and Anxiety Disorders explains the difference between BDD, body image disturbance and self-esteem to help differentiate what BDD really is.  Discovery explains BDD, “unlike body image disturbance, is when an individual is struggling with an over-emphasis on a specific body part as opposed to someone who is unhappy with his or her body size or shape.”

Body image, on the other hand, refers to how people view themselves as a whole. Negative body image refers to an unrealistic view of how someone sees their body while BDD is an obsessive pathological disorder. 

The important difference between body image and Body Dysmorphia, or Body Dysphoric Disorder is an anxiety disorder; more specifically is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

So, now that we know the difference between this mental health disorder and negative body image, let’s uncover some myths regarding Body Dysmorphia, or Body Dysphoric Disorder, provided by the Center for Discovery, based on media perception.

Myth #1: Body dysmorphia is a type of eating disorder

Truth: Body dysmorphia is a mental health disorder, more specifically a type of anxiety disorder.

The DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, classifies this mental health disorder as a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder because it is characterized by unwanted obsessive thoughts followed by compulsive actions. Eating disorders are based on behaviors surrounding food, exercise, and body image issues, but body dysmorphia is not always included in this criteria. 

Myth #2: Body dysmorphia is merely an extreme expression of vanity

Truth: Individuals with BDD delay seeking treatment for their disorder out of fear of being dismissed as vain.

Individuals with body dysmorphia genuinely believe there is something wrong with their physical appearance to the extent that it severely disrupts their social functioning. These individuals will often go to extreme measures to eliminate this physical “disfigurement.” These individuals are not seeking attention or any underlying gain.

Myth #3: Body dysmorphia goes away or dissipates when an individual reaches adulthood.

Truth: Although body dysmorphia is most common in adolescence the disorder will extend into adulthood and worsen if not treated.

Body dysmorphic disorder tends to grow stronger with time, and leaving this disorder untreated can have serious consequences. Studies have shown that nearly 80 percent of individuals diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder experience lifetime suicidal ideations. Around 24 to 28 percent actually attempt suicide indicating this mental illness can be a lifelong issue that presents severe threats to an individual’s wellness regardless of their age or gender, within our culture. 

Myth #4: Undergoing a cosmetic procedure or plastic surgery will boost self-esteem for individuals with BDD.

Truth: Seeking plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures is a symptom of BBD, not a cure.

Between 26 percent and 40 percent of individuals with body dysmorphic disorder seek some kind of cosmetic treatment or surgery, but the majority of the time; they feel no satisfaction or relief from any surgical procedures and will even feel compelled to seek more cosmetic procedures. Underneath the obsession and the behaviors associated with body dysmorphic disorder there often lies anxiety, depression, and possible past trauma. To effectively treat this disorder and maintain long-lasting healing, the emotions underneath the diagnoses must be addressed. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are recommended as the most effective therapies for this disorder.

For more information and sources, refer to: https://centerfordiscovery.com/