Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, is a psychological disorder in which a person is obsessed with an aspect of their body that they are concerned about or their overall body image. The person believes that they have a defect in one or more of their features, and they exaggerate the implications of this defect. The disorder is also characterized by a fear of the judgment of others. It is often associated with social anxiety and social phobia. BDD can also develop as a part of an eating disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Those with body dysmorphic disorder think about their perceived defect for more than an hour per day. They may avoid social circumstances out of a fear of judgment. Individuals with BDD may undergo risky or unnecessary plastic surgeries in an attempt to change or remove their perceived defect. They are also likely to develop mood disorders such as depression or anxiety disorder. BDD is a serious illness, and those with body dysmorphic disorder may become suicidal.
Many people feel dissatisfied with their looks, however those with body dysmorphic disorder cannot control their negative self-perception, and their perception ends up overwhelming them. Treatment for BDD allows a person to learn how to deal with social phobias, to improve their self-esteem and self-perception, and to help them develop positive cognitive habits. Treatment involves the extensive use of various psychotherapy methods along with medication when appropriate.
Types of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Although the particular perceived defect may vary between different individuals affected with body dysmorphic disorder, the symptoms of the disorder are quite similar between individuals. There is a delusional form of BDD that involves patients seeing defects that are not physically present. The non-delusional form of BDD is less severe and more common and it involves obsession with real defects.
About 1 to 2 percent of the general population is affected by body dysmorphic disorder. The age of onset of BDD is late childhood or early adolescence, and the average age of those diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder is 17. Between 5 to 40 percent of those diagnosed with anxiety disorder or depression also have body dysmorphic disorder. The prevalence of the disorder is equal in both men and women.
The disorder may be more likely to develop in certain groups. Children whose parents are obsessed with appearance may be more likely to develop BDD. Children and adults who are exposed to an environment outside of their home that has an excessive amount social pressure or criticism based on physical features may also be more likely to develop body dysmorphic disorder.
Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Although there is not one known specific cause of body dysmorphic disorder, there are several hypotheses on what might make a person more likely to develop BDD. Some researchers think that BDD results from imbalances in chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals are linked to moods, and it is thought that serotonin in particular is a neurotransmitter linked to BDD.
It is also though that the disorder might be heritable. Some studies show that those who have family members with body dysmorphic disorder are more likely to have the disorder. However, it is not known what genetic pathway is involved with the disorder. The environment is also shown to be a contributing factor to the development of BDD. Those who are exposed to environments in which they are criticized based on their looks or appearance, or physical or emotional abuse related to body image are more likely to develop BDD.
The real cause of body dysmorphic disorder is likely a combination of factors. There are also certain personality traits that may make a person more likely to develop BDD. Those who have traits of perfectionism, introversion, shyness, neuroticism, sensitivity to rejection or criticism, unassertiveness, avoidant personalities, and schizoid personalities may be more likely to develop body dysmorphic disorder.
Effects of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
There are a number of effects of body dysmorphic disorder that affect both an individual with the disorder and his or her family and friends. The most adverse effects are the psychological disorder that may develop in conjunction to BDD. Disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder may develop along with body dysmorphic disorder. Social isolation is common among those affected with the disorder because they are unwilling and afraid of potentially criticism.
Body dysmorphic disorder often leads individuals to seek out expensive and potentially damaging medical treatments and surgical procedures. BDD can be partially or completely disabling since those affected with the disorder may be unwilling to seek employment out of fear of social circumstances. They may also fear job interviews where they may be judged, and as a result they may avoid looking for a job.
The families of those affected with BDD may suffer from a lack of financial support due to those affected with the illness being unable to work. Children may not receive support outside of the home from parents with BDD due to their avoidance of school events or social circumstances. Treatment of BDD can help those who are afflicted with the disorder regain the ability to work and reduce their fear of social environments.
Treatments for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Those affected with BDD can potentially greatly benefit from treatment of the disorder, but if left untreated the disorder can progress into a more severe form. The treatment of body dysmorphic disorder typically involves medications such as SSRIs and psychotherapy. SSRI medications regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin and have other positive psychological effects. These medications have been shown to be effective in treating BDD and are often prescribed to patients with the disorder. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, has also shown to be effective at treating the disorder.
Rehab centers provide specialists who are trained to treat several other forms of psychological illnesses and are not just limited to addiction treatment. Rehab centers can also help those afflicted with BDD, particularly those who have alcohol or drug addictions in association with their BDD. Rehab centers can provide psychotherapists to treat those afflicted with BDD.
Both inpatient and outpatient programs are available for treating body dysmorphic disorder at rehab centers. Inpatient programs can be effective because of the secure environment and access to quick treatment that patients receive at these programs. Outpatient programs are of benefit to those who cannot attend inpatient programs for whatever reason.
Rehab centers use a combination of medication and individual and group psychotherapy in order to treat those afflicted with BDD. BDD patients benefit tremendously from social support, and group therapy sessions may be provided as a part of treatment when they are appropriate. Patients also benefit from familial support. A combination of medication and psychotherapy provided by trained medical professionals at rehab centers can give patients an excellent chance for complete recovery.
