Body Dysmorphic Disorder

By: Nikole Killoran and Peter Berlet

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

A somatoform disorder, wherein the afflicted individual is concerned with body image, manifested as excessive concern about and preoccupation with a perceived defect of their physical appearance.

A fear of being evaluated negatively by others

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/neurological_institute/center-for-behavorial-health/disease-conditions/hic-body-dysmorphic-disorder.aspx

Symptoms

camouflaging (with body position, clothing, makeup, hair, hats, etc.)

comparing body part to others' appearanceseeking surgery checking in a mirror avoiding mirrors skin pickingexcessive grooming excessive exercisechanging clothes excessively http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/body-dysmorphic-

disorder-bdd

Daily life with BDD?

May avoid daily activities, including dating and other social activities, school and work

In extreme cases individuals may become housebound

Sufferers are at an increased risk for psychiatric hospitalization, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicide

Having BDD means you also have dysmorphophobia

http://www.ocfoundation.org/eo_bdd.aspx

Treatments

May receive various psychotropic medications, including antidepressants (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and neuroleptics)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Onset

The average age of getting BDD is 16-17Without treatment people live with this their

whole lifeFemales are more prone to getting BDD

under the age of 18Eating disorders accumulate over time

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23643073

Problems

Lacking social lifeEating disordersConstant anxietyLack of relationshipsBelieve that there are always flaws (some

even imaginary)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23643073

Questions

1. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

2. People with BDD don’t go outside because?a) They’re afraid of the sunb) Scared of animalsc) Afraid people will judge them.