Body Dysmorphic Disorder is more common than eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, but few people are aware of its dangers.

Yves is here. While this article is useful in documenting the extent of body dysmorphic disorders, in my humble opinion it would be remiss not to discuss the huge industry that profits from creating dissatisfaction with appearance. Most of the photographs in fashion magazines are airbrushed. Female models are in size 0 or 2. The current ideal female body among the top Affluen is almost boyish, somewhat muscular, with small hips and buttocks, but with disproportionate, as usual with a fake, breasts. Actors and actresses on TV shows, especially cop shows, are on average too beautiful.

Male images are also unrealistic. That ripped abs that regularly features on the cover of Mens Health? Both bodybuilders and acquaintances who were on the cover say that to achieve this, it usually takes 3-4 months of mass gain (food intake and muscle building exercises), then 4-6 weeks of calorie restriction and more aerobic exercise in ” diet.” phase to get cut. The last few days often include diuretics. And this view cannot be saved. As one model said, “Eat some pizza and it’s over.”

Eva Fischer, Faculty of Communications, Colorado Global State University, Fugen Neziroglu, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Hofstra University School of Medicine, and Jamie Feusner, Professor of Psychiatry and Clinical Research Fellow at the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto. Originally posted on Talk

While eating disorders have been widely publicized for decadesmuch less attention has been paid to a related condition called body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD.

Body dysmorphic disorder is often hidden from prying eyes due to the fact that people are ashamed of one or more parts of their body, however, this is a destructive, debilitating psychological condition. People with the disorder suffer from intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions related to their appearance.

While people with eating disorders may view their undersized body as too fat, people with body dysmorphic disorder see themselves as ugly or deformed, even if they appear normal or attractive to others.

Body dysmorphic disorder is more common in both men and women than bulimia or anorexia. ABOUT 2.5% women and 2.2% men in the United States meet the criteria for body dysmorphic disorder, which is higher than the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder in the general population.

In comparison, at any given time, bulimia occurs in approximately 1.5% of women and 0.5% of men in the USA and anorexia in 0.35% women and 0.1% men.

We are a team of researchers and clinicians in the field of communication and mental health. Colorado State University Global, Hofstra Medical School And University of Toronto. One of us, Eva Fischer, lived with this disorder for almost 15 years before she got help and recovered. My book called “The BDD Family” gives an insight into my daily struggle with body dysmorphic disorderalong with information about diagnosis and treatment.

In our opinion, body dysmorphic disorder needs to be better understood and publicized so that more people suffering from this condition can be properly diagnosed and treated.

Body dysmorphic disorder often involves fixation on a single feature, such as the shape or size of the nose, a mole, or the shape or curvature of a particular body part.

Comparison of BDD and eating disorders

People with body dysmorphic disorder and people with eating disorders have similar negative emotions such as shame, disgust, and anger about their appearance. They also exhibit some similar activities such as checking a mirror, taking pictures to check themselves, seeking validation from others regarding their appearance, and using clothing to disguise or conceal perceived flaws.

People with these disorders typically avoid places and activities because of embarrassment about their appearance. In addition, people with eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorders may not be aware that their perceptions of body image are distorted.

Depression is common in people with body dysmorphic disorder and they higher levels of suicidal tendencies than people with eating disorders, including suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Although eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorders can be severe and life-threatening, people with body dysmorphic disorders on average experience more disruption in daily activities than in people with eating disorders.

Personal view

My (Eve’s) body dysmorphic symptoms started at 16 years old. Some of the reasons could be childhood bullying and perfectionism about my appearance. I obsessed over the shape and size of my nose for over eight hours a day and constantly compare my appearance models in fashion magazines.

I was convinced that others were judging me because of my nose, which I considered fat and ugly. I hated my nose so much that I didn’t want to get married or have children because I was afraid they would inherit it.

Even after I had plastic surgery at the age of 18 to make my nose thinner, I still hated it. This is a very common outcome for people with the disorder who undergo cosmetic surgery procedures.

Studies show that 66% of people with body dysmorphic disorder have received cosmetic or dermatological treatment. However, even when people feel better in one part of their body after surgery, image obsession often moves To one or more other body parts.

Some patients will have multiple treatments on the same body part. Other people are so disappointed with the results of their surgery that they want to commit suicide.

Unfortunately, many people with body dysmorphic disorder contemplate suicide and others attempt suicide. Approximately 80% of people with body dysmorphic disorder experience lifelong suicidal thoughts, and 24% to 28% attempted suicide. Often these are young men and women who feel so hopeless about their physical flaws that suicide seems like the only way to end their suffering.

Body dysmorphic disorder carries a high risk of suicide, and sometimes seeking dermatological solutions can exacerbate problems if the person is not satisfied with them.

When Appearances Become Problematic

So how is body dysmorphic disorder different from normal appearance problems? The researchers found evidence that at the time dissatisfaction with appearance can vary in severity, there is a separate group of people with much more serious appearance problems, many of whom are likely to suffer from this disorder. They feel much worse about their appearance than those with a normal appearance and experience more anxiety, depression, shame, and self-loathing about some aspects of their appearance.

About a third of people with the disorder fixate on your perceived flaws from one to three hours a day, almost 40% – from three to eight hours a day and about a quarter – more than eight hours a day. Most people with body dysmorphic disorder know what they are spending too much time thinking about their appearancebut others with the condition mistakenly believe that it is perfectly normal to worry about their appearance for hours every day.

Common Behaviors in Body Dysmorphic Disorder include, from most to least common:

  • masking alleged defects with clothing and makeup
  • comparing your appearance to others
  • checking your appearance in mirrors and other reflective surfaces
  • search for cosmetic procedures such as surgery and dermatology
  • taking pictures repeatedly to check your appearance
  • seeking reassurance from others regarding a perceived flaw, or persuading others that he is unattractive
  • concerning the alleged shortcoming
  • overdressing
  • diet and selection of skin to improve appearance
  • engaging in excessive physical activity, including excessive weightlifting

Finding Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

The exact causes of dysmorphophobia are unknown. Possible causes of development included genetic factors, bullying in childhood and childish teasing about appearance and competence, and childhood abuse and trauma. Other factors that may play a role include being raised in a family with focus on appearanceperfectionist standards regarding appearance and exposure lofty ideals of attractiveness and beauty in the media.

Common personality traits among people with body dysmorphic disorder include perfectionism along with shyness, social anxiety, low self-esteem, and sensitivity to rejection and criticism.

Researchers have found that people with this disorder may have brain disorders. For example, one study showed that in people with body dysmorphic disorder, as well as in people with anorexia information processing bias to more detailed visual information, rather than to a global view of images – in other words, seeing trees, not a forest. This suggests that abnormalities in the brain’s visual system may contribute to the distortions experienced by people with body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia.

Effective treatment

Fortunately, there are effective treatments for people with body dysmorphic disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Medications Both are used to treat the disorder.

During cognitive behavioral therapy, therapists work with patients to help them change obsessive thoughts and beliefs about appearance and eliminate problematic body image behaviors such as checking the mirror and seeking reassurance.

Medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, such as Prozac and Zoloft, may reduce or eliminate cognitive distortions, depression, anxiety, negative beliefs and compulsive behavior. They can also increase levels of understanding and improve daily activities.

I (Eva) worked with a psychologist and psychiatrist to deal with depression and anxiety caused by my appearance problems. Fortunately both medications and therapy were effective in reducing my negative feelings and compulsive behaviors.

Two years after starting treatment, my symptoms improved and were manageable. Today I make it easy two online support groupsand encourage people to learn more about the disorder. Group members provide support and comfort to those who understand their daily struggles. They also share tips on how to get help for this common but little-known body image disorder.

More information about the diagnosis and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder is available at International ROC Foundation BDD website

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