Body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder that causes the affected person to become excessively concerned about a perceived defect in his or her body image. The flaw is either very minor or often imaged. Affected people typically feel ashamed and struggle going out in public because they don’t want to be seen by people. The affected preson can become worried over a single feature (weight, hair, teeth, etc), a combination of many physical attributes, or their general appearance. The disorder becomes so extreme that anxiety and distress result impairing occupational or social functioning.

The causes are typically thought to be a combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors from one’s past that heavily affect oneself. The media is also closely associated with the cause due to the necessity of aesthetic beauty. People with BDD do not think that they look betters than others, but feel that their defect is irrevocably ugly and shouldn’t be seen or patient. Symptoms usually begin in late childhood near puberty and can be present throughout their life

BDD is a chronic disorder and can worsen if left untreated. It is estimated that 1-2% of the global population suffer from BDD. While thought to be only present in women, the disorder affects men and women equally. The suicide rate for people affected by BDD is 45 times higher than the United States population. The rate is double that of depression and three times as much with those affected by bipolar disorder. Thoughts of suicide are very common at 80% in most patients with BDD.

Diagnosis: According to the DSM IV, in order to be diagnosed with BDD, a person must fulfill the following:

“Preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is markedly excessive.”
“The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.”
“The preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental disorder

A psychiatrist or physician may analyze the symptoms and rule out other social disorders.

Symptoms: Symptoms include preoccupation with physical appearance, frequent examination of self in a mirror or avoiding mirrors, belief that others hone in on your negative characteristic, avoidiance of social situations, depression, anxiety, and weight loss.

Treatment: Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most effective ways of relieving BDD. Serotonin containing drugs may also benefit the patient. A combined regiment of therapy and anti-depressants have seen the most results.

Additional Information: Many people on tumblr have contacted us and asked us to do this disorder. Please, and I emphasize this, if you think you might have BDD, get professional help. It is a very real disorder and one that should not be ignored.

As always, a few documentaries about BDD:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAuc2xAM7-8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMxL1uv9Vh0&feature=related