What are the causes of body dysmorphic disorder?

The cause of body dysmorphic disorder is thought to be a combination of environmental, psychological, and biological factors. Bullying or teasing may create or foster the feelings of inadequacy, shame, and fear of ridicule.

What is a person with body dysmorphic disorder preoccupied with?

People with body dysmorphic disorder become obsessed about a perceived bodily flaw or defect. They may spend excessive time trying to hide or fix the flaw. Often, the defect is imagined or so small that others don’t even see it. The obsessive thoughts interfere with a person’s ability to function.

What is the difference between body dysmorphia and body dysmorphic disorder?

This imagined defect presents as a physical abnormality in a person’s appearance. Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health disorder, also referred to as body dysmorphia or muscle dysmorphia. Somatoform disorders can also include body dysmorphic disorder.

What age does body dysmorphic disorder start?

BDD most often develops in adolescents and teens, and research shows that it affects men and women almost equally. In the United States, BDD occurs in about 2.5% in males, and in 2.2 % of females. BDD often begins to occur in adolescents 12-13 years of age (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Is BDD a serious mental illness?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious mental illness. This is a psychiatric disorder that is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It most commonly begins around puberty, and it affects both men and women.

How do you get diagnosed with BDD?

Diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder is typically based on:

  1. A psychological evaluation that assesses risk factors and thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to negative self-image.
  2. Personal, social, family and medical history.
  3. Signs and symptoms.

How does BDD affect a person’s life?

BDD affects a person’s life in the following manner: The person may find it hard to maintain a relationship. The person may find it impossible to make regular employment or family life. They can dislike any part of their body.

How is body dysmorphic disorder diagnosed?

BDD is diagnosed in people who are 1) concerned about a minimal or nonexistent appearance flaw, 2) preoccupied with the perceived flaw (think about it for at least an hour a day), and 3) experience clinically significant distress or impaired functioning as a result of their concern.

How do you deal with body dysmorphic disorder?

Consider these tips to help cope with body dysmorphic disorder:

  1. Write in a journal.
  2. Don’t become isolated.
  3. Take care of yourself.
  4. Join a support group.
  5. Stay focused on your goals.
  6. Learn relaxation and stress management.
  7. Don’t make important decisions when you’re feeling distress or despair.

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