What is body dysmorphic disorder, what are the causes and symptoms and how is it treated?
Having body dysmorphic disorder does not mean you're vain or self-obsessed
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is classed as a mental health condition.
It is sometimes referred to as BDD, and can affect anyone at any age.
What is body dysmorphic disorder?
The describes BDD as: “A mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance.”
Crucially these ‘flaws’ are unnoticeable to anyone else.
But the health service adds it’s important to note having BDD doesn’t mean you’re vain or self-obsessed.
It states the condition can in fact be very distressing and have a big impact on someone’s life.
BDD can affect men and women of any age, but it is more common in teenagers and young adults.
What are the symptoms?
BDD is a serious condition, and the NHS warns: “BDD can seriously affect your daily life, including your work, social life and relationships.
“BDD can also lead to depression, self-harm and even thoughts of suicide.”
They detail some of the tell-tale signs as:
- Worrying a lot about a specific area of your body (particularly your face)
- Spending a lot of time comparing your looks with other people’s
- Looking at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether
- Going to a lot of effort to conceal flaws – for example, by spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes
- Picking at your skin to make it “smooth”
What are the causes?
There is no definitive cause for BDD, and the NHS states there is no clear cause.
But there are factors which could increase the likelihood of developing it.
These include genetics, as you’re more likely to suffer from BDD if you have a relative with a mental health disorder.
This doesn’t necessarily need to be BDD, but could be depression or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
Another factor could be a chemical imbalance in the brain, or could be triggered by something in your past.
This may be a traumatic episode, including bullying or abuse in childhood.
How is it treated?
If you think you have BDD, you should visit your GP.
There are a range of treatments available for BDD, some of which you can try at home.
For mild symptoms, often Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) will be offered.
NHS explains what happens when you go to your GP about BDD
They will probably ask a number of questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life.
They may also ask if you have had any thoughts about harming yourself.
Your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist for further assessment and treatment, or you may be treated through your GP.
It can be very difficult to seek help for BDD, but it’s important to remember that you have nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about.
Seeking help is important because your symptoms probably won’t go away without treatment and may get worse.
This is a form of talking therapy and be part of group sessions or one-on-one.
A doctor may suggest either CBT or antidepressants for moderate cases of BDD.
This type of medication is called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
For severe cases of BDD, both CBT and the SSRI may be prescribed together.
If after 12 weeks there has been no improvement, people may get moved to a different SSRI or be referred to a specialist mental health clinic.
If you’re proactive there are certain things the NHS recommends trying yourself.
These include joining support groups for people with BDD or practicing mindfulness exercises.