A Guide to Body Dysmorphic Disorder
What is body dysmorphic disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which a person is unusually concerned about perceived or small flaws in their appearance. It can cause distress, anxiety and dissatisfaction about the way a person looks. This can be to such an extent that it is overwhelming and interferes with quality of life. BDD presents in people of all ages, but is most common in teenagers and young adults.
Symptoms of BDD
Preoccupation with the way a particular part of your body looks
Comparing how you look to others
Spending an inordinate amount of time hiding flaws
Persistent, negative thoughts about your appearance
Constantly checking your appearance or avoiding mirrors
Picking at your skin
Feeling ashamed, disgusted, or depressed about the way you look or the way some part of you looks
Avoiding social situations due to embarrassment over a perceived flaw
Feeling anxious about how people will judge your appearance
Causes
BDD can be triggered by traumatic experiences such as bullying or abuse when you were young. Being teased or bullied can cause a negative self-image and low self-esteem. If a certain physical part of you was picked on, you may be more sensitized to its appearance.
For young people, this is where we have to take into account the effects of the messages that are consumed over social media and mainstream media. Edited and filtered photos and videos put out the message that the way you naturally look is not good enough. Filtered perfection is looking out at adolescents from almost every corner of their social media feeds.
There may also be a connection between genetic predisposition and BDD. If you have a relative with BDD or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) you could be at a higher risk for BDD.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Young People
For a young adult, bullying, teasing, and body shaming can have a significant negative affect on their body image. When BDD is severe enough, it can affect their school attendance and relationships. As mentioned above, social media can play a part in triggering BDD in young people.
Adolescence is a period of immense physical, emotional, and psychological changes. There are challenges in identifying BDD in teens due to the overlapping aspects of adolescence.
Teens are often already self-conscious and concerned about body image. Distinguishing between typical teenage body-related angst and the intense obsessions and distress associated with BDD requires careful evaluation. While body dissatisfaction is common, especially during adolescence, BDD goes beyond normal concerns. Individuals with BDD experience an intense and irrational preoccupation with their appearance. They focus on minor or non-existent flaws that others do not notice. This preoccupation significantly impacts their daily life and causes distress.
Teens may be reluctant to disclose their distress and preoccupations with appearance. This could be due to shame, fear of judgment, or a lack of understanding about their own experiences.
Symptoms of BDD in teens
Symptoms of BDD can begin in the early teenage years.
These include:
A belief that their appearance is flawed
Needing frequent reassurance about their looks
Incessantly comparing themselves to others
Isolating themselves socially, withdrawing
Spending excessive time on fixing or hiding a perceived flaw
Preoccupation about appearance
Anxiety about their appearance
Spending a lot of time in front of the mirror, or avoiding it altogether
According to the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation, “The biggest give-away is if the preoccupation with their appearance and associated behaviors cause them significant distress and interfere with their life.”
Supporting a young adult who has BDD
Parents and caregivers may misinterpret the signs and symptoms of BDD as typical teenage concerns or dismiss them as vanity. BDD is not about ego, vanity, or arrogance. People close to a teen suffering from BDD must keep this in mind. It is a disorder that requires patience and support.
It is important to do your research. Learn about BDD and the way it presents and manifests. Consider joining a support group or online forum for parents of children with BDD.
Teens should be encouraged to attend social gatherings that involve people they are close to and comfortable with. However, pushing them into situations will not be helpful. Additionally, try to listen to their concerns from a space free of judgment or criticism. A person with BDD already has a loud inner critic.
Adults should model positive attitudes towards their own body and appearance as an example. Show that you accept your own flaws and demonstrate healthy self-talk.
Foster a supportive, healthy, and nonjudgmental home environment. Educate other family members on how they can offer support.
Encourage your teen to seek professional help.
Treatment
BDD can lead to depression and should not be left untreated as it can increase in intensity. It is a condition that can lead to self-harming or self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. According to the Cleveland Clinic:
Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment — especially in people who develop BDD before age 18
Body dysmorphia counseling and therapy for teens are among the treatments that can help. Treatment for BDD often involves a combination of therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective approach and focuses on challenging distorted thoughts, reducing compulsive behaviors, and improving body image perception. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed to alleviate associated anxiety and depression symptoms.
Taking care of yourself when you have BDD
While seeking professional help is essential, practicing self-care can play an essential role in managing symptoms and improving your overall quality of life.
Be protective of your sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Being well rested, nourished, and mobile can have a positive effect on your overall wellness.
Work on your self-esteem by writing down what you do like about yourself. Ask close friends and family what they like about you. Pay attention to how you treat yourself – do you eat well, sleep enough, and get exercise? Overall well-being can make a difference in how you are feeling about yourself.
Try to participate in social activities with people that you feel comfortable and safe with and in places that you feel comfortable and safe.
Engage in activities that boost your self-confidence or that give you a sense of accomplishment. Acknowledge and appreciate the qualities and abilities of your body beyond its appearance. Look up and try some self-affirmation exercises. Focus on ones that emphasize your strengths, achievements, and unique qualities.
Learn about BDD
The more information you have, the better you will understand your condition. Gaining a deeper knowledge of BDD will make you more aware of your negative thoughts and self-talk. Additionally, share information about BDD with trusted friends and family members to foster understanding and empathy. Their support and encouragement can be invaluable on the path to recovery.
You can also find resources in self-help books, podcasts, and through a support group.
Identify your triggers
Identify situations, environments, or activities that trigger negative body image thoughts. Reduce exposure to media and social media platforms that perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards. Unfollow accounts that trigger negative body image thoughts. Look for body-positive influences to surround yourself with.
Support groups
Connect with others who have similar experiences through support groups or online communities. Sharing stories, insights, and coping mechanisms can provide a sense of belonging and reassurance.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a challenging and often misunderstood condition that significantly impacts individuals' lives. However, with increased awareness, early identification, and appropriate support, individuals living with BDD can find hope. The overwhelming worry about one’s perceived physical flaws can lead to severe distress, isolation, and impaired functioning. It is important to approach BDD with empathy and compassion, recognizing the significant emotional burden it places on individuals.
If your child or teenager is unusually worried about their appearance and needs constant reassurance, consider reaching out to Trust Mental Health. We are a team of licensed therapists in California, and provide therapy both in person and online.
FAQs
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Therapy can help you develop a more realistic and positive attitude toward your appearance. It can help build self-acceptance of your body by talking through and processing your concerns about the way you look. Treatment will also aid in reducing your need to perform compulsive behaviors related to your BDD.
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While there is no known cure for BDD, with appropriate treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms effectively and improve their quality of life. Early intervention and consistent adherence to treatment are key factors in achieving positive outcomes.
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Trust Mental Health provides therapy in San Jose and all over California. View our locations here. Our experienced team of BIPOC therapists provide therapy both online and in person. Contact us for a free 15 minute consultation. We accept Insurance