Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health problem where one can’t quit pondering at least one saw deformations or imperfections in their appearance. It feels like a blemish that seems minor or can’t be seen by others. Yet, one might feel so humiliated, embarrassed and restless that one might keep away from various social events. The body dysmorphic test is necessary if one notices bits of unusual behaviors in one’s self and the way they see themselves changes negatively.

When one has body dysmorphic disorder, they are strongly concerned about their appearance and self-perception. They look at the mirror looking for consolation, in some cases for a long time every day. One’s apparent imperfection can cause too much pain and affect their capacity to work in day-to-day existence.

One might also search out various treatments in an attempt to “fix” their apparent imperfections. After a while, one might feel a bit of satisfaction or notice a decrease in their trouble. Yet usually, the uneasiness returns and, they might continue looking for alternate approaches to fix their apparent imperfection.

SYMPTOMS

Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms include –

Being too distracted with an apparent imperfection in appearance that can’t be seen or seems minor to others.
A strong belief that one has an imperfection in their appearance that makes them dreadful or ugly.
The belief that others take too much notice of their appearance or mock them.
Taking part in practices pointed toward fixing or concealing the apparent defect that is hard to oppose or control, for example, often taking a long look at the mirror, getting ready with 1000s of thoughts, or skin picking.
Concealing apparent defects with styling, cosmetics, or garments.
Continuously comparing their appearance and others’.
Looking for consolation about their appearance from others.
Always looking for perfection.
Using excessive cosmetics or getting plastic or other surgeries with no satisfaction with the results.
Staying away from social gatherings.

People with body dysmorphic disorders are very concerned about their basic human anatomical features and appearances that includes –

Nose, skin colour, curves, skin break out.
Hair, like appearance, diminishing and sparseness
Skin and vein appearance
Breast size
Muscle size and tone
Genitalia

When should one go to see a specialist?

Stigma and shame about one’s appearance might hold them back from looking for treatment for body dysmorphic disorder. In any case, if one has any signs or manifestations, they should see their doctor or primary health care provider. Body dysmorphic disorder generally doesn’t improve all alone. Whenever left untreated, it worsens over time, prompting uneasiness, comprehensive doctor’s visit expenses, extreme sorrow, and surprisingly self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. Self-destructive ideas and behaviors are common in body dysmorphic disorder. On the off chance that you figure you might hurt yourself or attempt self-destruction, move help immediately.

Causes

It’s not explicitly known that what exactly the body dysmorphic disorder causes are. In the same way as other mental health conditions, body dysmorphic disorder might result from a mix of issues, like a family background of the problem, mental anomalies, and negative assessments or encounters about your body or mental self-portrait.

Risk factors

Body dysmorphic disorder commonly begins in the early high school years. A few components appear to build the danger of creating or setting off body dysmorphic disorder, including:

If one has close family members with body dysmorphic disorder or over-the-top impulsive issues.
Negative life encounters, for example, student teasing, disrespect, or abuse.
Certain character qualities, like perfectionism.
Cultural strain or expectation of excellence.
Having other mental health problems, like anxiety, distress, or depression.

Complications with body dysmorphic disorder.

Complications that might be brought about by or related to body dysmorphic disorder incorporate, for instance:

Self-destructive thoughts or conduct.
Restlessness, including social tension issues (social fear).
Obsessive impulse disorder.
Eating disorders.
Substance abuse.
Medical problems from practices like skin picking.
Physical pain or risk of deformation because of repeated particular mediations.

Diagnosis

Once a medical evaluation rules out the possibilities of any other medical conditions, the primary health care providers refers a mental health professional for further evaluation.

Diagnosis is usually based on:

A psychological evaluation in order to assess thoughts and risk factors, behaviors, and feelings.
Personal, family, social, and medical history.
The widely known symptoms.

Treatments for body dysmorphic disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder treatment includes medications and psychotherapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

This includes individual counseling aimed at changing a person’s cognition and behaviors. Attention is also given to correcting their compulsive behaviors.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP):

This form of treatment uses real-life situations and thoughts to prove to the person that their point of view is not accurate.

Medication:

The most widely prescribed medication is an antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Group or family therapy:

Family support is extremely important when it comes to total and successful treatment. In therapy sessions, family members are taught about body dysmorphic disorder and recognize its symptoms.

The outlook for people with body dysmorphic disorder

Those that receive and follow proper treatment usually have a bright outlook. The support of the loved ones is essential as it motivates the individual to stick to their treatment. This, of course, leads to better and positive results.

Preventive Measures

There’s no tried and tested approved method to prevent or cure body dysmorphic disorder. However, because body dysmorphic disorder regularly begins in the early young years, recognizing the issue early and beginning treatment might be advantageous. Encouraging attitudes that are both healthy and realistic about one’s body image might go a long way in preventing the development of body dysmorphic disorder. Finally, providing the person with sufficient understanding and support might even help in reducing the severity of the symptoms.