Body Dysmorphic Disorder
You gaze at yourself in the mirror. Tweaking your nose back and forth you wonder what you would look like with Jennifer’s Aniston’s nose. This scenario is repeated every morning. We all recognize our own imperfections. But, how dangerous is this type of thinking? When does a negative body image turn into body dysmorphic disorder?
Most of us notice our own flaws regularly, but it doesn’t mean we are all suffering from dysmorphophobia, or body dysmorphic disorder. Body Dysmorphic Disorder, similar to obsessive compulsive disorder, is defined as the preoccupation with a body defect, imagined or real. The key indication you may be suffering from this psychological condition is how it is affecting your life. If thoughts of the imperfection are controlling your thoughts, you may require help (see sidebar).
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
The Mayo Clinic lists these symptoms of dysmorphophobia:
- Frequently comparing appearance with that of others
- Repeatedly checking the appearance of the specific body part in mirrors or other reflective surfaces
- Refusing to have pictures taken
- Wearing excessive clothing, makeup and hats to camouflage the perceived flaw
- Using hands or posture to hide the imagined defect
- Frequently touching the perceived flaw
- Picking at one’s skin
- Frequently measuring the imagined or exaggerated defect
- Elaborate grooming rituals
- Excessive researching about the perceived defective body part
- Seeking surgery or other medical treatment despite contrary opinions or medical recommendations
- Seeking reassurance about the perceived defect or trying to convince others that it’s abnormal or excessive
- Avoiding social situations in which the perceived flaw might be noticed
- Feeling anxious and self-conscious around others (social phobia) because of the imagined defect
You may think that women are the main sufferers of this condition. In fact, a considerable number of men also suffer from body dysmorphic disorder. Where women usually focus on breast size or weight, men typically focus on hair thinning or skin. The Bare Truth, a satellite radio show, speaks to men suffering from hair loss and is a weekly testament to the growing number of men who suffer from debilitating hair loss. Many of these men report suicidal thoughts as a result, which is a key indication low self-respect has crossed the line to dysmorphophobia.
To most of us, body dysmorphic disorder seems unreasonable. It’s difficult to understand how someone can be so consumed by a minor defect that they cannot function in daily life. But this disorder is real to many people. Depression, seclusion, and anxiety are just a few of the problems that can be incapacitating to sufferers. But, there is hope (see sidebar).
Also known as: BDD, Body Dysmorphic Syndrome, Body Dysmorphia, Body Image Disorder, Dysmorphophobia
