Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological condition in which a patient is fixated upon perceived non-existent or minor flaws in appearance. Capable of disrupting a person’s life, BDD is a curable condition that requires medical attention and the right approach followed by your loved ones.
This blog delves into what body dysmorphic disorder is and what causes body dysmorphic disorder. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. And how is body dysmorphic disorder treated?

What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological disorder characterised by an obsessive focus on supposed flaws in one’s appearance that are either minor or non-existent. However, a patient suffering from BDD who is preoccupied with these flaws suffers from significant distress and cannot function properly in real life.
Individuals with BDD usually fixate on specific areas such as a receding hairline, skin colour, nose size and chest, or any other body part that makes them feel dissatisfied. The consequences include low self-esteem, stress, and feelings of isolation, which makes it difficult for them to follow their routine.

Types of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A person can feel underconfident about any body part in general, therefore, body dysmorphic disorder can manifest in multiple ways. While some people exhibit a generalised form of body dysmorphia, others can be categorised under the following subtypes.

• Muscle Dysmorphia
  A patient suffering from muscle dysmorphia might feel that his or her body is not muscular or big enough. He or she may start consuming excessive calories, spend excessive time in the gym, or even wear baggy clothes to look bulkier. This disorder is also termed “reverse anorexia” or “bigorexia”, wherein a strict diet and eating schedule are followed.
• Proxy Body Dysmorphia
  A patient suffering from body dysmorphic disorder becomes obsessed with someone else’s appearance. This obsession causes significant distress, consequently interfering with daily life. To cope with this anxiety or guilt, patients engage in repetitive behaviour aimed at reducing these feelings.

What Causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychological problem for which there is no particular cause. However, mental health experts have identified certain factors that influence a person’s self-perception:

• Traumatic Events: Traumatic events like severe bullying during childhood or physical or excessive verbal abuse can contribute to body dysmorphic disorder. Such events can disturb a person’s self-confidence, cause emotional distress, and create a distorted perception of one’s body.
• Low Self-Esteem: People with poor self-esteem often indulge in comparison, which makes them more privy to mental health ailments like body dysmorphic disorder. They tend to overthink their body parts and flaws.
• Genetic: A person is more prone to BDD if any member of a family previously suffered from the same psychological condition.
• Cultural Factors: Certain cultures consider a particular body type and complexion better than others. This can cause a person to feel underconfident about himself or herself. Fair skin, a lean body, and toned muscles are some of my most common preferred choices. Being heavy, dark, and bald are some of the most disliked features in many societies.

What Are The Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Excessive preoccupation with a conceived flaw can cause distress. Here are the most common body dysmorphic disorder symptoms and signs noticed among patients:

• A serious preoccupation with a non-existent flaw in appearance not noticeable by others.
• A belief that others discussed this flaw by others is the most prominent feature.
• An obsession with fixing this flaw. In severe cases, patients also consider surgical procedures.
• Patients tend to avoid social gatherings and feel underconfident due to self-consciousness.
• Features or body parts most commonly fixated upon include hairline, complexion, genitals, breast size and muscle toning.

Diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

The first step of body dysmorphic disorder treatment is diagnosis, which includes conversing with the patient. Here are a few factors considered before a body dysmorphic disorder treatment process starts:

• Mood Check-Up: The severity of the mental ailment is understood so that medication and therapy can be recommended accordingly.
• Physical Health Check-Up: A patient’s medical history is analysed before a treatment is framed. The patient’s age, gender, and overall circumstances are asked about in this interview session.
• Mental Health Check-Up: Patient’s preference for the treatment is considered once he or she is briefed. For instance, if a person has developed BDD because of a traumatic event in the past, the therapist will suggest therapy tailored around that particular experience.

How Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treated?

Body dysmorphic disorder treatment is an extensive procedure that begins with the diagnosis of the severity of the problem. Once a psychiatrist is confident about the diagnosis, various therapies are recommended to treat the condition, such as:

• Talk therapy includes other similar therapies like psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy.
• Psychodynamic therapy focuses on tracing the root cause of the disease. Through this, a therapist explores a patient’s past to learn about his or her traumatic experiences.
• Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving severed social relationships. Since a patient suffering from BDD has impaired his social relations owing to a lack of self-confidence, this therapy also addresses social triggers that contribute to the patient’s preoccupation with appearance.
• CBT is a multi-faceted therapy that includes the following approaches: Cognitive restructuring is an important aspect of this treatment. It entails identifying and challenging distorted thoughts about one’s appearance to replace them with positive thoughts systematically.
• Exposure and Response Prevention is another technique through which a patient is gradually exposed to triggers. The aim is to keep a check on anxiety and train them to resist compulsive behaviours.
• Medication therapy can be combined with psychotherapy but only when recommended by a professional psychiatrist.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Body Dysmorphic Disorder is just another kind of eating disorder.
Fact 1: Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychiatric problem, not an eating disorder.

Myth 2: Body Dysmorphic Disorder happens to vain people.
Fact 2: Body Dysmorphic Disorder is not related to vanity but to low self-esteem and feeling under-confident.

Myth 3: A person suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder recovers when he or she reaches adulthood.
Fact 3: Anybody suffering from BDD needs to see a mental health expert immediately, as the condition can worsen with age, leading to other problems.

Myth 4: Cosmetic procedures will treat Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Fact 4: A person suffering from BDD will not feel satisfied even after a cosmetic procedure. Only therapy can instil the lost self-confidence in the person so that he or she feels complete and normal.

Myth 5: Only women are more prone to Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
Fact 5: No. Men are as vulnerable to this disease as women because anyone can be afflicted with a psychological problem at any age.

Living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder can lower the self-confidence of an individual. However, a patient can overcome any inhibition to lead a normal life. BDD can make a person feel suicidal; therefore, such severe cases need instant attention and must be taken seriously. Since emotional stress and isolation take over a person’s life, people living around patients must have an encouraging attitude.

How to Support Body Dysmorphic Disorder Patients?

If you know someone who is suffering from BDD, here are a few ways to show support for the person to feel better:

• Make sure the patient takes his or her BDD medication on time. Medication is an important aspect of the treatment that must not be missed. Also, check if they are consuming the prescribed medication only and not consuming any other drugs to feel better.
• Make sure they visit their mental health expert regularly. Consistently attending therapy sessions is essential for a smooth recovery so ensure that the patient is regular.
• Never dismiss a patient's concern and take their views seriously. Judging or arguing with a person suffering from body dysmorphic disorder will not serve any purpose. Listening carefully makes a lot of difference and promptly addresses their concerns.
• Talk about their strengths to divert their attention from physical features. Encourage them to hone their skills and be good at their job so that they feel more confident and worthy.
• Be patient and supportive. Empathy goes a long way, and a patient suffering from a psychological ailment feels better when understood.
• Learn about BDD and spread awareness about the problem so that the patient feels confident enough to share his or her feelings with everyone.
• Offer companionship and if they feel uncomfortable give them space.

Jagruti Rehab’s BDD Treatment and Recovery

• In-Patient Treatment Programs: For people severely suffering from this psychological problem, Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre offers residential programs. Patients stay under constant supervision and a healthy diet to recover faster.
• Customised Treatment Plans: Treatment provided at Jagruti Rehab Centre is tailored to a patient’s health condition. A one-size-fits-all approach is not followed by any therapist at this centre. The staff ensure that the treatment suits the patient so that he or she can recover completely.
• Relapse Prevention Process: Relapse prevention is included in the treatment. Counsellors arrange sessions with the patient once the therapies are over to watch their behaviour. They keep a check on their mood swings and also scrutinise their habits.
• Latest Facilities: Latest technological tools, 24/7 nursing staff, and soundproof therapy rooms are some of the facilities that are provided here. Patients are under constant CCTV supervision and are provided three balanced meals a day.

Statistics and Facts

According to reports, BDD is more prevalent among people than anorexia and bulimia. As of 2024, body dysmorphia affected 1-2% of the entire Indian population. What is more serious is that it mostly affects people between the ages of 15 and 17.