BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

Body Dysmorphic Disorder



Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Introduction

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is described by psychiatric Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as the preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance, and if indeed the slight defect is present individual's preoccupation with that defect is markedly excessive. There is an ongoing debate among researchers regarding exact categorization of BDD as the disorder, but many professionals consider it to be the form or subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Phillips 1996). Nevertheless, symptoms of BDD manifest as excessive concern with one's appearance or the particular part of one's body, concerns propelled by self-focused obsessions that generate significant levels of distress that disrupt one's ability to function. BDD is marked by excessive preoccupation so intense it makes it extremely difficult to focus on anything other than that body part or perceived flaw, provoking requests for reassurances from others as well as checking and seeking reassurance in any available mirror or reflection. A major symptom of BDD is the tormenting doubt; underlying question related to uncertainty about ones body part, or appearance. It is important to mention that symptoms can shift from concern about one aspect of appearance to another at any time.

There is an ongoing debate among researchers regarding exact categorization of BDD as the disorder, but many professionals consider it to be the form or subtype of Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder. BDD often subsists amidst the cluster of related anxiety disorders including OCD, General Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, as well as Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa. The BDD fear structure is similar to that of OCD, but obsessions and compulsions are specifically related to ones body.

BDD is not analogous to common feelings of insecurity or appearance related self-consciousness that most people have experienced at one time or another. Many people are somewhat critical of their appearance, and some people will go to great lengths in attempt to change what they consider to be flawed. Plastic surgery is increasing in popularity, and more people are willing to take risk of going under knife. A specific aspect of appearance can be surgically altered or corrected through procedures such as rhinoplasty (or the nose job). Many people who have had this procedure are happy with results and can move on with their life. When, however, BDD is the factor, nose will never be perfect — or if they are satisfied with nose, another obsessive fixation on the different body part will take over. A person suffering from BDD is subjected to high levels of distress that interfere with healthy functioning, and obsessions consume more than one that daily. Furthermore, symptoms often disrupt interpersonal relationships, and impair social and occupational performances. This physical fixation caused by disorder distorts self-perception making difficult to objectively appraise appearance of self. It is not uncommon for people suffering from BDD to perceive their own image so distorted, while they may be able to appraise appropriately accurate appearances of others, at same time they fail to objectively appraise appearance of ...