FACT Body Dysmorphic Disorder SHEET INTRODUCTION Some say they are obsessed and find No. 5 it hard to stop thinking about the particular aspects of their What is BDD? appearance which concern them.
One aspect of BDD that can be Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is especially troubling is the feeling that defined as a pre-occupation with an other people take special notice of imagined or very slight defect in this perceived defect, and that people physical appearance which causes stare at it or make fun of it or laugh significant distress to the individual. behind their backs when in reality,
no one may even notice it. Many BDD is a chronic psychiatric sufferers feel ashamed and fear being condition that causes severe rejected by others. emotional distress which goes
beyond vanity and is not something Another feature of this disorder is that individuals can either forget what people do to try to reduce their about or get over. BDD is not a feelings of distress. Most people with rare disorder, only an BDD perform one or more repetitive under-recognised one which affects and often time consuming women and men from all walks of behaviours known as rituals, which life. are usually aimed at examining,
improving or hiding their perceived People who suffer from BDD dislike flaw. an aspect of their appearance to
such a degree, that they cant stop BDD sufferers usually spend a lot of thinking and worrying about it. To time checking themselves in the others, these reactions may seem mirror to see if their defect is excessive, as the perceived problem noticeable or has changed in some may not even be noticeable or way, or they will frequently compare relates to a very minor mark such themselves with others. as a mole or very mild acne scarring which anyone else may not even BDD is a chronic psychiatric notice. However, to the BDD condition that causes severe sufferer, the defects are very real, very obvious and very severe. emotional distress which goes beyond vanity and is BDD often begins as early as not something individuals adolescence and may remain can either “forget about” undiagnosed for many years. It is or simply “get over” estimated to affect between 1-2% of the population and appears to affect Many hours are spent grooming roughly equal numbers of males and themselves by applying make-up, females. Research data suggests changing clothes or re-arranging that BDD usually persists for years, their hair to correct or cover up the sometimes worsening over time,
MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE INSTITUTE RESEARCH HEALTH MENTAL problem. Some people approach unless appropriately treated. cosmetic surgeons or dermatologists
seeking surgery or medical SYMPTOMS treatments. Others attempt to camouflage or hide their defect by Most people spend only a few wearing a hat or a scarf or minutes each day thinking about sunglasses. Some sufferers will their appearance, but the BDD repeatedly ask family or friends for sufferer may spend hours reassurance that they look ok, or pre-occupied by how he or she alternately try to convince them of
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Dysmorphic Body looks. their ugliness. MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTE This behaviour can be frustrating for family There is some suggestion that an imbalance members because the BDD sufferer is usually in the chemical Seretonin in the brain may not reassured no matter how much support, make some people more likely to express time and reassurance they are given. Some the symptoms of BDD. It is also possible people with BDD manage to function well that excessive teasing during childhood or despite their distress. Others, however, are family pressures regarding appearance severely impaired by their symptoms, often might be risk factors in some cases. becoming socially isolated by not attending school or work, and in extreme cases, refusing to leave their homes for fear of embarrassment TREATMENT about their appearance. Medication Seretonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are a “At this stage, the causes of group of medications that appear to be useful and effective for people with BDD. BDD are unknown. In most cases, The SRIs are a type of anti-depressant used there are likely to be multiple successfully in the treatment of Depression biological, psychological and and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). socio-cultural factors which People who respond to SRI therapy contribute to its cause” generally spend less time obsessing about their defect, and if they start to think about it, it is easier to push the thoughts
aside and think of other things. Self- It is not uncommon for people with BDD to feel consciousness and feelings of anxiety, depressed about their problem and the depression and suicide often diminish and negative impact it has had on their life. self-esteem and body image often improve. Relationship problems are common, and many Treatment response often takes some sufferers have few friends and often become months. socially isolated. BDD is not yet widely recognised and health professionals may not be familiar with the disorder so can be Psychotherapy misdiagnosed. What distinguishes normal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) appears appearance concerns from BDD is: to be another effective treatment of BDD, x the extent of the preoccupation with the where the aim over time is to decrease perceived defect distress involved with the particular situation of having to expose their defect x the amount of distress it causes in situations which they would usually avoid. x the extent to which it interferes with the persons life. FIND OUT MORE! For more information: Many people with BDD often suffer from depression at some stage and there is often a high rate of depression in their families. BDD sufferers can present with other symptoms as well such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), eating disorders, anxiety disorders & Trichotillomania (hair pulling). Collaborative Therapy Unit Mental Health Research Institute WHAT CAUSES BDD? Prof. David Castle or Roberta Honigman
At this stage, the causes of BDD are unknown. 155 Oak Street, Parkville 3052 In most cases, there are likely to be multiple Tel: (03) 9388 1633 Fax: (03) 9387 5061 biological, psychological and socio-cultural Email: [email protected] factors which contribute to its cause. Internet: www.mhri.edu.au