Beyond the mirror’s illusion. Understand the meaning of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), its symptoms, causes, treatments, and how to heal negative body image. 

Close your eyes and imagine standing in front of a funhouse mirror, where the reflection staring back at you is distorted and exaggerated. The image you see doesn’t align with reality, but your mind insists it’s the truth. This is what it feels like for individuals living with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

What is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological condition where individuals become excessively fixated on a perceived flaw in their physical appearance or a minor physical abnormality. Repetitive checking behaviors often accompany this preoccupation. BDD shares similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorder due to its focus on appearance-related obsessions and associated compulsive actions.

What body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is NOT.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and eating disorders share similar severe body image concerns and self-esteem issues, but they are distinct conditions. 

BDD is more than having body image insecurities.

Feeling unhappy about certain aspects of our physical appearance and occasional self-consciousness is something many of us can relate to. However, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) transcends ordinary insecurity. It is a mental health condition that can consume individuals entirely, demanding specialized tools and guidance for effective management. BDD necessitates a deeper understanding and targeted approaches to help individuals navigate their struggles with body image.

Even when individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) take steps to enhance their appearance, they still struggle with persistent dissatisfaction. The relentless obsession, repetitive behaviors, and constant efforts to hide perceived flaws create a tremendous amount of stress, which can greatly impair their daily functioning and quality of life. It is important to be aware that BDD is often accompanied by major depression, and individuals with this condition may also experience suicidal thoughts or engage in self-destructive behaviors.

Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

How can you recognize if you or someone you know might have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)? Look out for these signs:

• Do you spend an excessive amount of time obsessing over imagined flaws in your appearance that others can’t see? For example, constantly worrying about a crooked nose or uneven eyebrows, even though others don’t notice them.
• Do you find yourself engaging in repetitive behaviors like constantly checking the mirror, spending hours grooming, or picking at your skin? These actions are done in an attempt to fix or perfect your appearance but can be difficult to stop.
• Does this preoccupation with your appearance cause significant distress, making it difficult to focus on other aspects of your life? For instance, feeling anxious or upset to the point where it affects your relationships or work.
• Are you always comparing yourself to others and feeling like you fall short? This could involve constantly comparing your body, facial features, or overall appearance to those around you, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
• Do you go to great lengths to hide or camouflage your perceived flaws? This may involve using specific poses, heavy makeup, or always wearing clothes that cover certain areas, even in uncomfortable situations.
• Do you strongly believe that your appearance makes you ugly or deformed, even though others reassure you otherwise? This negative self-perception is a common aspect of BDD.
• Are you constantly seeking reassurance about your appearance from others, seeking their validation and opinions? This might involve repeatedly asking friends, family, or even strangers for feedback on your looks.
• Have you considered or undergone multiple cosmetic procedures in an attempt to fix your perceived flaws, only to find little satisfaction in the results? This dissatisfaction is common for individuals with BDD.
• Do concerns about your appearance lead you to avoid social situations or feel anxious about being seen by others? It may cause you to withdraw or limit your interactions due to self-consciousness.

If you notice several of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek professional help from a mental health provider who can provide an accurate diagnosis and guidance for managing BDD. Remember, you don’t have to face it alone – support is available.

Causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

The exact cause of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is not known, and there are multiple potential factors that experts consider, including: 

1. Genetic and biological factors: There may be a genetic predisposition to BDD, as some studies suggest that individuals with a first-degree relative with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are more likely to develop the condition.

2. Environmental and psychological factors: Traumatic life events, such as childhood abuse or bullying, neglect, or some other childhood trauma, can increase the risk of developing BDD. 

3. Co-occurrence with other mental health conditions: People with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) commonly experience other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When these conditions coexist with BDD, they can interact with and intensify the symptoms of BDD.

Good News! Healing From BDD Is Possible

Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) have reason to be hopeful, as there are effective treatments available, including:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

This treatment aims to reduce or eliminate obsessive and compulsive behaviors associated with BDD. CBT involves working on changing thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distress. Mirror exposure therapy is often utilized alongside CBT, which involves specific exercises such as observing oneself in the mirror, describing the body objectively, and addressing the emotions that arise. With the guidance of mental health professionals, these treatment approaches can provide individuals with BDD with the tools and strategies to manage their symptoms better and improve their overall well-being.

2. Medication

Alongside Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication can also be an option to help alleviate symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Specifically, certain medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often recommended. To determine the most appropriate medication for your individual circumstances, it’s crucial to have an open and ongoing conversation with a psychiatrist who can provide expert guidance.

In certain instances, when the symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are particularly severe and significantly impair an individual’s functioning and well-being, in-patient psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary.

Tips to Heal Negative Body Image

1. Limit exposure to idealized and unrealistic media images. Instead, compare yourself to real, healthy individuals rather than unattainable media standards. The media’s promotion of unrealistic ideals contributes to body image issues by encouraging unfavorable comparisons.

2. Focus on the health benefits rather than the appearance when considering your body, diet, and exercise. Strive for a realistically achievable level of health rather than aiming for extreme and unhealthy ideals like a completely flat stomach or extremely low body fat.

3. Release yourself from the trap of comparing yourself to others, especially when it comes to body image. Instead of getting caught up in comparisons, choose to opt out of the game entirely. Take charge of your thoughts and shift your focus to things that truly matter. Set meaningful goals, celebrate your positive qualities unrelated to appearance, and invest in nurturing your relationships with loved ones. Redirecting your energy towards these aspects will bring greater fulfillment than fixating on your looks.

4. Make a conscious effort to engage in activities that bring you joy and boost your self-esteem. For instance, spending hours in the gym to achieve a certain body shape or following restrictive diets that make us miserable. Instead, redirect your energy towards activities you genuinely love and that contribute to your well-being, like practicing yoga, going for a nature walk, or engaging in a hobby you’re passionate about.

5. Shift your inner dialogue from negative to positive when it comes to your body. For example, if you often criticize your height, you can start by reframing your thoughts to a more neutral perspective, such as “My height is a part of who I am, and it doesn’t define my worth or abilities.”

6. If your body image issues are deep-seated or severe, consider engaging in therapy with a licensed mental health professional who specializes in treating body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders. They can provide valuable support and customized interventions to assist you in addressing and overcoming these challenges effectively. Remember, reaching out for professional assistance is a sign of strength and a proactive step toward improving your well-being.

“The human body is the best work of art.” 

― Jess C. Scott