Body dysmorphic disorder is a psychiatric condition. People with this condition suffer from a distortion of a minor physical defect or an imagined physical defect.Body dysmorphic disorder is a dangerous psychological disorder in which the person affected is excessively fixated on perceived defects in his or her physical features. Sometimes the disorder manifests itself in a general feeling of having a substandard appearance, despite any evidence to the contrary.

What is the underlying cause of BDD? There has been some speculation that the cause of BDD is, at least partly, driven by society's high emphasis on appearance. Since BDD is a more recent diagnosis and the upsurge in cosmetic surgery is also fairly new, the potential cause and effect relationship between the two seems obvious.

Some of the signs and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder:

excessive grooming
excessively checking appearance in a mirror
going to great lengths to hide the perceived imperfection
frequently comparing the appearance of the perceived defect with the appearance of others
paralyzing feelings of self-consciousness about the perceived flaw
constantly seeking assurance from others about how they look
getting cosmetic surgery

Five Key issues in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Feeling Unattractive
Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Low Self-Esteem
Psychological, Behavioral or cultural factors

People suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can receive treatment at a body dysmorphic disorder treatment center. These treatment centers generally use cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT to treat patients with BDD.

Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT combines the use of behavior therapy with cognitive therapy to effectively solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions.

The first thing that you need to do is to stop performing rituals. They are not going to take away or fix the imagined or minor defect.The second thing that you need to do is realize that no one is perfect. Everyone has minor defects, EVERYONE!

People who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder often have trouble functioning in work and social situations. The most serious cases of body dysmoprhic disorder can result in the sufferer completely isolating himself or herself from society.

Therapists at body dysmorphic disorders treatment centers use these methods to attempt to control and ease their patients' discomfort when they are exposed to their fears.

Doctors commonly prescribe serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, to help their patients with depression and decrease obsessive and compulsive behaviors. The most commonly prescribed SSRIs are paroxetine (brandname Paxil), fluoxetine (brandname Prozac) and sertraline (brandname Zoloft).

A structured CBT program helps patients gradually challenge all their symptoms, and learn new, more productive methods of coping with anxiety. Over time, patients become de-sensitized to previously anxiety-provoking situations and thoughts.

Cosmetic surgery can worsen body dysmorphic disorder. After one cosmetic procedure, the person may start to focus attention on another body area and become preoccupied trying to fix the new "defect". Some patients with BDD may blame the surgeon for making their appearance worse and may even become violent towards the surgeon.

Cognitive behavior therapy is the most common treatment performed on patients today. It is relatively successful as well. It is a treatment that attempts to help the patient understand the emotions and feelings that ultimately influence their behavior. This treatment is also used with patients dealing with anxiety and depression.


Read about Depression Help, and also read about adjustment disorder and alzheimer disease

To add a comment please login by clicking here