By Brandon Pollock PhD, ACSM-EP-C
Just about everybody has something they dislike about their own appearance, one foot that is bigger than the other, a crooked smile, or maybe too big of a nose. While it is normal to occasionally dwell on these small imperfections, it is not normal to let them control your life.
What is BDD?
Body dysmorphic disorder, more commonly referred to as body dysmorphia or just BDD, is a severe psychological condition that, through over obsession and preoccupancy, induces chronic, debilitating, life-changing anxiety in individuals. If left untreated BDD can lead to psychological and clinical distress, and in severe cases it may impair social and occupational functioning, resulting in social withdrawal or social isolation. BDD is frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed as obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and depression because of the similarities that exist in symptoms between these disorders. This result in many individuals being completely unaware they have BDD or worse, they believe they have something else.
What are the characteristics and causes of BDD?
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, individuals that are afflicted with BDD display excessive concern about particular, usually self-perceived or non-existent, defect(s). While the exact causes are unclear, genetics, life experiences, or chemical imbalances in the brain have all been suggested to play a role in the development of BDD.
What are the symptoms of BDD?
Two of the most common symptoms of BDD include obsessing over minor or non-existent flaws in your own physical appearance and camouflaging, a tactic in which individuals use various methods to try and hide their flaws, such as a hat, wig, or makeup. Other symptoms can include exercise overtraining, changing clothes excessively, avoiding or constantly checking appearance in mirrors, and comparing your own body image to others. In most cases, afflicted individuals also experience frequent, chronic negative thoughts about their own physical appearance. Symptoms of BDD can last for hours or up to an entire day, making it difficult for people with BDD to focus on anything but their imperfections.
What are the treatments for BDD?
Cognitive behavior therapy is thought to be one of the most effective treatments for BDD, and in many cases, investigators have recognized it as being more effective than even prescription medication. Exercise can also help manage many of the symptoms associated with BDD, and similar to other mental health illnesses, engaging in a regular exercise routine may help counteract negative side effects brought on by medication. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are prescribed to help relieve the obsessive and compulsive symptoms of BDD. It is important to talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment approach because many doctors recommend using a combination of these treatments.
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