Signs that you have body dysmorphic disorder

For a person with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), their daily routine is significantly disturbed because of their perceived imperfection.

While we all have one or the other aspect of our physical appearance we would like to work on, for a person with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) this aspect of themselves become their focus. They become obsessed with it, to an extent where their daily routine is significantly disturbed because of their perceived imperfection.Dr. Priyanka Kartari- Consultant, Psychology, Global Hospitals, Mumbai, helps us in understanding this disorder and how we can deal with it.

Understanding the occurrence of body dysmorphic disorder

The exact cause of BDD is unknown. However, theories suggest that it could have a biological basis wherein the areas of the brain, that process information about the body and appearance, may have problems with the size or functioning. Another finding suggests that this may occur in people with mental health disorders, like MDD and anxiety. Apart from this, this could eventually take place because of low self-esteem, some seriously mentally disturbing events in childhood or an extremely critical environment.

Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder:

Here are some of the major symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder:

• A belief that there is some kind of abnormality or dysfunction in the body
• An overwhelming need for the approval of appearances
• Extreme level of personal grooming
• Compulsive behaviours for perfectionist tendencies
• Avoiding social situation
• Extreme use of cosmetic procedures

A person with BDD believes they have a defect in their appearance, this defect is often imagined. Even if a little physical flaw is present, their reaction on such a flaw is excessive. Their thoughts and actions are focused only on their imagined defect and this causes severe distress to them, leading to impairment in their occupation, social and other significant areas of functioning. The impairment often results from their obsessions about their physical appearance and they find it excessively hard to resist or control thinking about their perceived imperfections or doing something about it. Read more about Love taking selfies? You could be suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Here are some ways a person with BDD acts out:

• Camouflaging (with body position, clothing, makeup, hair, hats, etc.)
• Comparing body part to others' appearance
• Seeking surgery
• Checking in a mirror
• Avoiding mirrors
• Skin picking
• Excessive grooming
• Excessive exercise
• Changing clothes excessively

Here s when you must see a doctor in BDD

You must see the doctor immediately if your thoughts and actions concerning your physical appearance is severely affecting your daily functioning and regular routine.

Can this condition have some serious complications and risk factors?

If left untreated, this condition severely hampers the person's daily living, giving them a poor quality of life. In addition, this may lead to excessive plastic surgery to change the way to look and even the use of products that may be harmful to their physical and emotional health. Read here Suffering from depression or need to talk to someone? Seek help online

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