Body Dysmorphic Disorder – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition. People with BDD are preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance. These flaws are usually invisible to others or considered minor.
People with this disorder experience intense distress about their appearance. This leads them to avoid social situations due to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and anxiety.
Those affected by BDD often engage in repetitive behaviors such as:
- Checking mirrors excessively
- Grooming rituals that may last hours
- Seeking constant reassurance about their appearance
- Comparing themselves to others
These behaviors significantly interfere with daily functioning and can consume many hours each day. Individuals with BDD may pursue multiple cosmetic procedures to “fix” their perceived flaws. They experience temporary relief before anxiety returns and the cycle continues.
The disorder causes substantial distress and impairs a person’s ability to function normally in social settings, work environments, and other important areas of life.
Effective treatments for BDD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. These treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
People with body dysmorphic disorder often show several noticeable patterns of thought and behavior. They typically become very focused on what they see as flaws in their appearance.
These are flaws that others might not notice or consider minor. This strong belief that they have defects that make them ugly can lead to thinking others are mocking them.
Many people with this condition develop behaviors they find hard to control. They might check mirrors frequently, pick at their skin, or try to hide perceived problems with makeup or clothing.
They often compare themselves to others and repeatedly ask for reassurance about how they look.
These thoughts and behaviors can take up so much time that they cause serious problems in daily life. The distress can affect work, school, and relationships.
People may focus on different body areas over time. Common concerns include:
- Facial features โ Nose shape, skin problems, wrinkles.
- Hair โ Thinning, baldness, or overall appearance.
- Skin and veins โ Including texture, color, or visibility of veins.
- Breast size โ Perceived size or asymmetry.
- Muscle tone โ Perceived lack of muscle definition or size.
- Genitals โ Concerns about size, shape, or appearance.
A specific type called muscle dysmorphia, where someone believes they’re not muscular enough, happens almost exclusively in males.
People’s awareness of their condition varies. Some might recognize their beliefs are excessive, while others are completely convinced their perceived flaws are real. The stronger their belief, the more distress they typically experience.
When to Get Medical Help
Many people feel too embarrassed to seek help for body dysmorphic disorder. However, this condition rarely improves without treatment. Without proper care, symptoms often worsen over time, possibly leading to:
- Severe anxiety
- Mounting medical expenses
- Serious depression
- Thoughts of suicide
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, speaking with a healthcare provider or mental health professional is important. Early treatment can make a significant difference.
If you’re having thoughts about suicide:
- Call emergency services immediately (911 in the United States)
- Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (U.S.)
- Reach out to your doctor or therapist
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member
- Connect with a spiritual leader or community member
Causes
The exact cause of body dysmorphic disorder remains unknown. Experts believe several factors may contribute to its development:
- Genetic Factors: Family history of the disorder might increase the risk.
- Brain Chemistry: Abnormal serotonin levels may play a role.
- Neural Functioning: Unusual brain activity patterns could contribute.
- Past Experiences: Negative comments or experiences about appearance.
- Self-Image Development: Early life experiences that shape how one views themselves.
Risk Factors
Several factors may raise your chances of developing body dysmorphic disorder:
- Family History: Having relatives with body dysmorphic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder increases the risk.
- Childhood Experiences: Teasing, neglect, or abuse during childhood.
- Personality Traits: People with perfectionist tendencies face a higher risk.
- Social Pressures: Cultural and media expectations about beauty and appearance.
- Other Mental Health Issues: Conditions like anxiety and depression often occur alongside body dysmorphic disorder.
The condition typically begins during the early teen years and affects both males and females equally.
Complications
Body dysmorphic disorder can lead to several serious complications. People with this condition often struggle with:
- Low self-esteem
- Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
- Depression and mood disorders
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
- Various anxiety disorders, particularly social anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Disorders related to eating
Other complications may include substance abuse problems, skin damage from excessive picking or touching, and physical harm resulting from multiple cosmetic procedures.
Prevention
There’s currently no proven way to prevent body dysmorphic disorder. For those diagnosed with the condition, consistent long-term treatment is important.
Maintaining ongoing therapy and medication as prescribed by healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of symptom recurrence.
