2. Introduction
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health
condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their
appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others.
3. People of any age can have BDD, but it's most common in teenagers and young
adults. It affects both men and women. BDD is estimated to affect from 0.7% to 2.4%
of the population.
Factors that may contribute to BDD include:
● A family history of BDD or a similar mental disorder
● Abnormal levels of brain chemicals
● Personality type
● Life experiences
4.
5. Symptoms and Signs
● Constantly checking yourself in the mirror
● Avoiding mirrors
● Trying to hide your body part under a hat, scarf, or makeup
● Constantly exercising or grooming
● Constantly comparing yourself with others
● Always asking other people whether you look OK
● Not believing other people when they say you look fine
● Avoiding social activities
● Not going out of the house, especially in the daytime
● Seeing many healthcare providers about your appearance
● Having unnecessary plastic surgeries
● Picking at your skin with fingers or tweezers
6. How to diagnose BDD
● The patient must be abnormally concerned about a small or nonexistent body flaw
● The patient’s thoughts about their body flaw must be severe enough that they
interfere with their ability to live normally
● Other mental health disorders must be ruled out as a cause of the patients
symptoms
There are other mental health disorders that are common in people with BDD. They
include
Obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders.
Social anxiety, depression
7.
8. Treatment of BDD
The symptoms of BDD can get better with treatment.
If symptoms are relatively mild, the patient could benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy
(CBT) either on their own or in a group.
If symptoms are moderate, either CBT or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
If symptoms are more severe, or other treatments do not work, the patient will need CBT
and an SSRI.
