What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

BDD (body dysmorphic disorder) is a mental health disorder which involves a person focusing on perceived flaws in their appearance obsessively, even if those flaws are minor or non-existent. These concerns can trigger significant distress and disrupt daily functioning, affecting social interactions and overall quality of life.

Understanding the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment can help people manage BDD and lead more fulfilling lives. In this guide, we’ll explore the signs of body dysmorphic disorder, common symptoms, and effective treatment options.

What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder, often abbreviated to BDD, is a mental health condition where a person can’t stop thinking about flaws in their appearance. Often, others cannot see these flaws, or they may not exist at all. To the person with this disorder, though, these flaws feel very real and cause a lot of distress.

People with BDD might spend hours each day worrying about how they look, checking mirrors, or trying to hide what they see as flaws. This constant worry can make it hard to go about daily activities like going to school, work, or even spending time with friends and family.

BDD can make people feel acutely self-conscious and anxious. They might avoid social situations because they’re worried about how others will see them. Some people with BDD might go to great lengths to change their appearance, such as seeking multiple cosmetic surgeries. Even after making changes, they often don’t feel satisfied and continue to feel anxious and unhappy with how they look.

Who Does Body Dysmorphic Disorder Affect the Most?

BDD can affect anyone, but it often starts in the teenage years, a time when people are very aware of how they look and want to fit in with their peers. Both boys and girls can have BDD, and it affects adults too. It doesn’t matter what someone’s background is or where they live, BDD can happen to anyone.

Some factors might make someone more likely to develop BDD. If a person has a family member with BDD or another mental health condition, they might be more likely to have it too. Experiences like being teased or bullied about their appearance can also contribute to developing BDD. People who have personality traits like perfectionism, where they feel they have to look perfect all the time, might also be more at risk.

BDD can affect people differently. Some might worry a lot about specific parts of their body, like their nose, skin, or hair. Others might focus on their overall body shape or size. The important thing to remember is that BDD is a serious mental health issue, but help is available. With the right treatment, people with BDD can learn to see themselves in a healthier way and live much happier lives.

5 Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms

Body dysmorphic disorder is associated with a range of symptoms that can affect how a person feels about themselves and how they live their daily life. Here are five of the most common symptoms of BDD.

1) Obsessive focus on appearance

People with BDD often spend a lot of time thinking about their appearance. They might focus on one or more parts of their body which they think look bad. This could be their nose, skin, hair, or any other feature. They might think about these flaws for hours every day. Even if others tell them that they look fine, they still feel worried and upset about how they look.

2) Frequently checking or avoiding mirrors

Someone with BDD might check their appearance in mirrors many times a day. They might also use other surfaces, like windows or car mirrors, to see how they look. On the other hand, some people with BDD might avoid mirrors completely because looking at themselves makes them feel too upset. Whether they are constantly checking or avoiding mirrors, both behaviors show how much they are affected by their worries about their looks.

3) Seeking reassurance

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder often ask others for reassurance about their appearance. They might ask friends, family members, or even strangers if they look okay or if they see the flaws that they see. Even when people tell them that they look fine, the reassurance usually doesn’t last long, and they start to worry again. This constant need for reassurance shows how deeply they are affected by their negative thoughts about their looks.

4) Trying to hide flaws

Many people with BDD try to hide the parts of their body that they think look bad. They might use makeup, clothing, or hats to cover up. For example, someone who worries about their skin might wear a lot of makeup, or someone who worries about their hair might always wear a hat. They might also change how they stand or sit to hide certain parts of their body. These efforts to hide their appearance can take a lot of time and energy.

5) Avoiding social situations

Because they feel so self-conscious about their looks, people with BDD might avoid social situations. They might stay away from parties, school, work, or any place where they think others will see their flaws. This can lead to a lot of loneliness and isolation. Avoiding social situations can make it hard to keep up with school, work, and relationships, which can make them feel even worse.

BDD is a serious condition, but there are ways to manage it. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in getting help. With the right support, people with BDD can learn to see themselves more positively and live happier lives.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatments

Treating body dysmorphic disorder can help people feel better about themselves and feel happier. Here are some common treatments for BDD:

• CBT: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is a type of talk therapy that helps people change their negative thoughts about their appearance. In CBT, a therapist works with the person to find new ways to think and behave. This can help reduce the amount of time they spend worrying about their looks.
• Medications: Doctors often prescribe SSRI antidepressants to help people with BDD. These medications can reduce the symptoms of BDD, making it easier for people to manage their thoughts and feelings. Medication can be a core component of treatment, especially when combined with therapy.
• Support groups: Joining a support group can help people with BDD feel less alone. In a support group, people share their experiences and learn from others who understand what they are going through. This can provide comfort and encouragement.

While it might seem like a good idea to fix the perceived flaws with surgery or other procedures, these usually don’t help and can sometimes make BDD worse. Most people achieve better outcomes by focusing on mental health treatments than trying to change their appearance through surgery.

Self-care is central to managing BDD. This includes eating well, getting regular exercise, and finding healthy ways to relax, like reading, drawing, or spending time with friends. Good self-care can help improve overall well-being.

BDD is a challenging condition, but with the right treatments and support, people can learn to see themselves in a more positive light. If you or someone you know has BDD, reach out for help. There are many resources and professionals ready to support you on the path to feeling better.

Body Dysmorphia | FAQs

How do I help someone who has body dysmorphia?

Listen to them without judging and encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional. Offer support by helping them find a therapist or by going with them to appointments if they want you to.

Why do I have body dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia can be caused by a mix of factors, including genetics, past experiences like bullying, and certain personality traits. It often starts in the teenage years, but the exact cause can be different for each person.

What is the best treatment for body dysmorphic disorder?

The best treatment usually includes therapy, like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and medication. Working with a mental health professional can help manage the symptoms and improve how you feel about yourself.

Get Compassionate, Insurance-Covered Care at Connections

If you are affected by BDD or any other mental health disorder, we can help you improve well-being and functioning at Connections Mental Health in Southern California.

We offer immersive inpatient programs where you can address any mental health condition with a small group of others dealing with similar issues. You will get lots of one-to-one support, and you will also benefit from the support of peers.

Every mental health issue is different, so you can access personalized body dysmorphic disorder treatment. Options may include talk therapy, motivational therapies, counseling, group therapy sessions, and holistic interventions.

Call Connections today at 844-759-0999 to get insurance-covered treatment for BDD.