Understanding Body Dysmorphia And How It Affects Your Life

How you feel about yourself is extremely important, and that pertains to how you feel about your body, mind, or abilities. The truth is that many people don’t see themselves in the same way that others do. After all, when looking at your own body, you see all the potential flaws, but others may not even notice those things. 

Some people don’t see their bodies as they really are. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is when someone perceives some kind of defect or flaw in their appearance that isn’t noticeable (or is only slightly noticeable) by others. If you think you may be experiencing body image issues or body dysmorphic disorder, learn more about how it affects your life and where to go to get help.

What is body dysmorphia?

Body dysmorphia, also called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health condition where a person sees a type of flaw in their body that others cannot see. Anxiety & Depression Association of America, 2.4% of adults experience body dysmorphic disorder in the US.

Body dysmorphia is related to obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD), because a person may become very consumed by the perceived flaw. 

A person with obsessive compulsive disorder and body dysmorphia may engage in repetitive behaviors or develop eating disorders, like excessive dieting, as a way to cope with perceived flaws.

That makes it difficult for you to get on with the rest of your life because you are constantly absorbed with whatever you believe is wrong with your body. The good news, however, is that there is help for you when you have body dysmorphia.

Who can develop body dysmorphia?

Anyone can develop body dysmorphic disorder. Several different conditions and situations could lead to it. Those who suffer from depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) might fixate on a flaw or perceived flaw as the reason for their problems. Also, those who are perfectionistic or constantly competing with others might think that any flaw is grounds for them to lose or be less than another person. It’s also possible that there is a genetic component to body dysmorphia, which can contribute to how someone sees themselves.

Do I have body dysmorphia?

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder may include: 

• Strong belief in a defect of appearance that makes you deformed

• Strong belief that other people notice negative features of your body

• Preoccupation with a perceived or minor flaw that others do not notice

• Preoccupation with overcoming or hiding a perceived or minor flaw that others do not notice

• Constant and detrimental comparison of the self to others

• Perfectionistic tendencies toward appearance and presentation

• Avoidance of social situations

• Attempt to seek cosmetic procedures to fix the perceived or minor flaw

• Frequent reassurance seeking to overcome negative thoughts and feelings

You may experience none or some combination. Remember that every mental disorder is different, just like every person is different. That means you might experience the situation differently from the average person or anyone else you know.

Those who struggle with body dysmorphia will generally avoid social situations or situations where someone might notice the flaw they see in themselves. They might try to hide it or cover it with clothing, makeup, or hairstyles. They might even look into cosmetic procedures to remove the flaw entirely. However, these individuals are never able to be happy with the way that their body looks. Even getting rid of the perceived flaw will not make the feelings go away, and they could still resurface or reset to a different part of the body and a different perceived flaw.

In general, most people have difficulty with specific areas of the body, including:

• Hair

• Breast size

• Genitalia

• Muscle size/tone

• Face

• Skin/veins

You could have a completely different area of the body that affects you and makes you feel flawed or less than perfect. If you’re experiencing these feelings about your body, you may not realize how much it affects your life.

How body dysmorphia can affect you

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can affect you in more ways than you probably know. For one thing, it can make it challenging to maintain relationships with anyone. If you constantly see a perceived flaw and no one else does, you could create a wedge between yourself and others you care about because of your obsession. You could also make it difficult to form new relationships, especially romantic ones, because you may be compelled to point out the flaw you see with your body.

You may find yourself experiencing symptoms of social anxiety or social phobia, avoiding social situations and trying to avoid people as much as possible. Body dysmorphia may make it very difficult for someone to form close relationships with people, go out in public, or meet new people.

People with body dysmorphia may seek out cosmetic surgery to correct their perceived physical flaws. However, cosmetic surgery is not a treatment for body dysmorphia and research tells us that only 10% of people with body dysmorphia are happy with the results of cosmetic surgery.

Body dysmorphia can also result in anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and even suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t wait to ask for help. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with someone online. Help is available 24/7.

Treating body dysmorphia

Treatment for body dysmorphic disorder may include a combination of talk therapy, more specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of talk therapy that helps people cope with and treat certain mental disorders by helping them shift how they think and behave. Studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in managing and reducing symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. 

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are proven to be an effective treatment for body dysmorphic disorder and are the first choice of medication used to treat body dysmorphia. SSRIs work by balancing neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain) that may contribute to the symptoms of body dysmorphia. 

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan according to your symptoms and whether you are experiencing another mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

Working with a therapist

Treatment for body dysmorphic disorder typically involves psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy. If you need to talk to someone about your symptoms, consider online therapy. When you sign up for online treatment, you’re matched with a licensed, vetted mental health professional who is available to start helping you right away. You can attend sessions from the safe space of your own home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Research shows that online therapy is effective, too. One review of 17 studies found that, in some cases, online cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective than in-person treatment. If you’re ready to learn more, sign up with Regain to take the next step.

Takeaway

Body dysmorphia affects your life in many ways, disrupting your relationship with yourself and your relationships with others. If you need to talk to someone about your symptoms, contact an online therapist to get the help and support you need to start healing.