Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder(BDD), occasionally still called dysmorphophobia, is a mental health condition in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others. But you may feel so embarrassed, ashamed and anxious that you may avoid many social situations. This is accompanied by frequent checking, looking in the mirror, seeking reassurance. This may consume several hours each day and affect their day to day functioning.
What are the Common Symptoms?
People with BDD have an extreme misperception about their physical appearance. Whereas vanity involves a quest to aggrandize the appearance, BDD is experienced as a quest to merely normalise the appearance.
The most common features people tend to fixate about include:
- Face, most commonly the nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne and other blemishes
- Hair, such as appearance, thinning and baldness
- Skin such as wrinkles and vein appearance
- Breast size
- Muscle size and tone
- Genitalia
- Body weight
Causes:
It usually develops during early adolescence, although many patients note earlier trauma, abuse, neglect, teasing, or bullying. In many cases, social anxiety earlier in life precedes Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Conditions associated with untreated Body Dysmorphic disorder :
- Social isolation
- Low Self Esteem
- Poor concentration and motivation
- Depression
- Poor performance in school/workplace
- Suicidal thoughts