A mental disorder in which one can’t stop thinking about (to the point one feels less sociable or ashamed) of one or more perceived defects and/or flaw (a flaw is that to others, is either minor or not noticeable) in ones appearance.
It does not mean you are vain or self-obsessed.
Common examples include:
Face, such as nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne and other blemishes
Hair, such as appearance, thinning and baldness (one thinks they are ugly)
Skin and vein appearance
Breast size (breasts are too small or too large)
Muscle size and tone (muscle dysmorphia- one thinks they don’t have perfect muscle size and/or are not muscular enough)
Genitalia
This condition typically starts at teens and affects both males and females.
Obsessions and compulsions that are not related to appearance may indicate obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder: treatment. NICE guideline [CG31]. 2005. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG31
(accessed September 2019)
Cause
Unknown
Abnormalities in brain structure and/or chemical imbalance in brain
One feels shame and embarrassment to the point it affect you daily routine?
Behaviours
Behaviours are carried out in order to reduce anxiety, they often serve to increase levels of anxiety and reinforce the beliefs that maintain the condition.
Compulsive behaviours and routines may include:
Checking
Looking in mirrors or any reflective surfaces (e.g. a window);
Feeling the feature they are anxious about using their fingers;
Taking photos of themselves to check their appearance.
Camouflage
Wearing clothes (e.g. hats/scarves) to hide the features;
Wearing excessive make-up;
Posturing to hide the feature;
Styling hair in certain ways (e.g. to minimise asymmetry of the face or hide the jawline).
Reassurance seeking
Asking others for reassurance about appearance;
Comparing with pictures taken in the past to check there has been no change.
Other ritualistic/repetitive behaviours
Hair removal;
Skin picking;
Grooming;
Particular beauty routines.
Avoidance of:
People;
Reflective surfaces;
Daylight/sunshine;
Certain lighting;
Specific groups of people (e.g. teenagers who may be more likely to ridicule them);
Photographs;
Wind (in case it ruffles carefully groomed hair).
In more severe cases, an individual may spend hours performing their grooming rituals, waiting until a time where they feel ‘OK’, or ‘just right’, or when they feel that the feature is hidden sufficiently to allow them to interact with others. Many individuals with BDD are housebound and find any social interaction almost impossible.
The Pharmaceutical Journal, September 2019;Online:DOI:10.1211/
PJ.2019.20206935
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
This condition can lead to:
Severe anxiety and/or depression and/or mood disorders and suicidal thoughts
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Body Dysmorphic Disorder in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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