Body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder

is a mental health condition in which a person becomes excessively focused on their appearance. Even minor or imagined flaws in how they look cause significant distress, and they constantly try to check or hide these perceived defects. The individual persistently believes that others see their appearance in a strongly negative and critical way.

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People with body dysmorphic disorder are preoccupied with their appearance and body image. They often check mirrors, engage in excessive grooming, or seek reassurance — sometimes for hours each day. These beliefs and repetitive behaviors cause significant distress and interfere with functioning in everyday life.

They may undergo multiple cosmetic procedures in an attempt to “correct” the perceived flaw. However, the temporary relief they experience after these interventions soon fades, and the anxiety returns, leading them to continue searching for new ways to “fix” the problem.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include:

Excessive worry about a perceived defect that is invisible or seems insignificant to others

A strong belief that a perceived flaw in appearance is disfiguring.

The belief that others pay special attention to their appearance in a negative way or mock them

Behaviors emerge that are aimed at hiding or correcting the perceived flaw. These are hard to resist, for example: frequently checking the mirror, picking at the skin, or excessive grooming.

Concealing the perceived flaw with hairstyle, makeup, or clothing

Constantly comparing your appearance to others

Constantly seeking reassurance from others about one’s appearance

Perfectionistic tendencies

Frequently undergoing cosmetic procedures with minimal satisfaction

Avoidance of social situations

A person may become excessively focused on one or more parts of their body. The most common physical features that people tend to concentrate on include:

The face (nose, skin texture, wrinkles, acne, and other perceived flaws)

Hair (its appearance, thinning, balding)

the appearance of the skin and veins

the size of the breasts

muscle size and tone

Genital organs

Possible underlying causes:

The exact cause of body dysmorphic disorder is unknown. However, as with other mental disorders, it is thought to arise from a combination of factors, including:

A family history of body dysmorphic disorder

Experiences of ridicule, neglect, or abuse in childhood

Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism

Beauty standards imposed by society

The presence of other mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression

Chemical imbalance in the brain, including abnormal serotonin levels

Possible consequences:

Body dysmorphic disorder may lead to the following complications:

Low self-esteem

Social isolation

Severe depression or other mood disorders

Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety (social phobia)

Personality disorders

Eating disorders

Substance misuse

Health problems that can be caused by skin picking or excessive cosmetic procedures

Pain or facial disfigurement caused by repeated surgical procedures

Treatment methods:

Treatment for body dysmorphic disorder often includes

psychotherapy

medications

You and your psychiatrist and psychotherapist will work together to develop an individual treatment plan that will help you cope. Involving family members in therapy is especially important for adolescents.

Hospitalization

Day Clinic

Lifestyle and support at home

You can also support and strengthen your treatment process in the following ways:

Follow your treatment plan – do not miss therapy sessions and do not stop taking your medication on your own, as this can lead to the return or worsening of symptoms.

Learn about your condition – education can help you understand that you are not alone.

Pay attention to warning signs – work with a specialist to develop a plan in case your symptoms worsen.

Use the techniques you learned in therapy – the more often you practice them, the more effective they will be.

Avoid alcohol and drugs – they can worsen your symptoms and may interfere with your medications.

Physical activity – exercise can help you cope with depression, anxiety, and stress. However, you should avoid excessive exercise if it is aimed at “fixing” a perceived flaw.

Preparing for your visit with the doctor:

Write down your symptoms and how long they have been bothering you.

Ask your friends and family members whether they have noticed any concerning changes in your behavior.

Gather information about your personal and family medical history, with particular attention to any mental health conditions (such as body dysmorphic disorder or other personality disorders).

Make a list of all medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements.

Prepare questions for your doctor, for example:

What is the likely cause of my symptoms?
What treatment will be best for me?
How long will the treatment take?
Are there any printed materials or websites where I can learn more?

What is the likely cause of my symptoms?

What treatment will be best for me?

How long will the treatment take?

Are there any printed materials or websites where I can find more information?

Source: APA, DSM-5-TR — Body Dysmorphic Disorder.