What is Body Dysmorphia?
Body Dysmorphia, sometimes known as Body Dysmorphia Disorder (BDD), is a condition that can cause a person to worry about, or be obsessed with, perceived flaws in their appearance.
These perceived flaws may be so minor they are not noticed by others, small differences in body shape or condition that are perfectly natural. However, it is crucial to understand that this can cause extreme anguish for the sufferer; these perceptions cause serious distress and can have a large impact on life, social interaction, relationships and work.
This disorder usually begins during the early to mid-teens and can be experienced by any gender. It is not narcissism or vanity but a disorder that can be treated.
What are the symptoms of Body Dysmorphia?
A prominent symptom of this condition is the low self-esteem that self-criticism can bring. There is, however, a range of symptoms from mild to severe, such as:
- self-isolation
- loneliness
- avoiding mirrors
- dressing in a way to ‘cover up’ perceived flaws
- anxiety
- spending excessive lengths of time on self-grooming
- discomfort or pain caused by attempting to physically correct ‘flaws’, over-brushing hair or smoothing skin
- using potentially harmful cosmetic methods, even surgery, to ‘correct’ flaws
Body Dysmorphia can also lead to depression, to eating disorders and, in extreme cases, to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Body Dysmorphia rarely just ‘goes away’ but we can help.
How does Talkmind treat Body Dysmorphia?
We appreciate how disheartening this condition can be for people and how embarrassing some sufferers can find it to even acknowledge it.
We are aware that many people do not understand this and try to dismiss it or tell sufferers ‘it’s all in your head’ or ‘it’s OK, you look fine’. This does not help. The concerns of the patient need to be listened to and understood.
We can treat Body Dysmorphia with, amongst other things:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Body Dysmorphia is nothing to be ashamed of, and the Talkmind approach, of course, is with respect and patience.
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Signs of Mania
- Lesser need for sleep or an inability to sleep (insomnia)
- Racing mind
- Feeling as if you have consumed too much caffeine or taken an illicit substance, such as cocaine
- Extreme self-confidence and self-belief that is out of the ordinary
- Lack of control or a fear of losing control
- High creative output
- Being extremely talkative, often feeling unable to stop chatting
- Dramatically increased sex drive
- Behaving recklessly
- Having extravagant ideas that are unrealisticÂ
- Behaving impulsively, for example booking a plane ticket last minute in search of an adventure
- Disregard for one’s safety, perhaps engaging in risky or irresponsible activities, such as gambling, spending sprees or unsafe sexÂ
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia