womanarticles.net

I bet you always watch your TV and see news about plastic surgeon done by some celebrities on their face or other part of their body. Maybe you may see this as a normal things among celebrities who wish to have such a perfect appearance, but honey, this is a symptom of what the medical experts called as Body-Dysmorphic disorder. Remember my previous articles about anorexia and bulimia? No matter how much weight is lost, or no matter how much food is thrown up, the person with anorexia or bulimia will constantly see the same overweight, vile, failure in the mirror. These disorders are two parts of Body-Dysmorphic disorder. Let’s find out more about it, because you could be have the symptom which could lead you to it.

Body-dysmorphic disorder or BDD was first described by Morselli (1886) as ‘a subjective description of ugliness and physical defect which the patient feels is noticeable to others.’ People with body dysmorphic disorder have a distorted or exaggerated view of how they look and are obsessed with actual physical characteristics or perceived flaws, such as a certain facial feature or imperfections of the skin. They often think of themselves as ugly or disfigured. BDD is a mental disorder defined as a preoccupation with a perceived defect in one’s appearance.

BDD may occur for a variety of appearance features. However, prevalence studies indicate that the following sites are reported frequently: hair, nose, skin, eyes, thighs, abdomen, breast size or shape, chest size, lips, chin, scars, height, and teeth.

People with BDD often have problems controlling negative thoughts about their appearance, even when reassured by others that they look fine and that the minor or perceived flaws aren’t noticeable or excessive. BDD can lead or take after other psychiatric problems as well. Depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, anxiety issues, agoraphobia, and trichotillomania (hair pulling) are all problems that commonly follow or trigger BDD. They may engage in long rituals of grooming, such as repeatedly combing hair, applying makeup, or picking skin. Patients think that this behavior may reduce their level of anxiety; however, it only intensifies it.

It’s estimated that BDD affects 1 in 50 people, mostly teenagers and 20-somethings with either a gradual or abrupt onset. Often the person is a perfectionist, like most people with eating disorders. Nothing is good enough because the person cannot see that what they have done is absolutely fine, or that they are on the border of near death (in the case of anorexia and extreme weight loss). Low self-esteem is a trademark of those with BDD as they feel like colossal failures for their perceived physical flaws.

Patients with BDD often have low self-esteem and feel the need to confirm or avoid their perceived defect by engaging in ritualistic behaviors. These behaviors include checking their appearance in mirrors or avoiding mirrors, comparing their perceived defect with others, requiring constant reassurance from others that their defect is “normal” or “not that bad,” and grooming excessively (eg, hair combing, applying makeup, picking skin). Patients with BDD often seek dermatologic or cosmetic referral for correction of their perceived defect.

An absolute cause of body dysmorphic disorder is unknown. However research shows that a number of factors may be involved and that they can occur in combination, including:

1. An insufficient level of serotonin, one of the brain’s neurotransmitters involved in mood and pain, may contribute to body dysmorphic disorder. Although such an imbalance in the brain is unexplained, it may be hereditary.

2. BDD often occurs with OCD - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, where the patient uncontrollably practices ritual behaviors that may literally take over their life. A history of, or genetic predisposition to, OCD may make people more susceptible to BDD.

3. Body dysmorphic disorder may co-exist with generalized anxiety disorder. This condition involves excessive worrying that disrupts the patient’s daily life, often causing exaggerated or unrealistic anxiety about life circumstances, such as a perceived flaw or defect in appearance, as in BDD.

Hey, when you have read all above and find out you have all the symptoms, why don’t you get rid from BDD? Slow down, BDD can be cured. Just like the others disorder, cognitive behavior therapy was used to treat their conditions. Further treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder included having them exposed to their perceived physical defect, and they were prevented from engaging in any behaviors that increased the discomfort and triggered the BDD more. In the cognitive behavior therapy the individuals were also taught how to resist compulsive behaviors and face avoided situations. At the end of this study, a significant decrease was found in the individuals’ pre-occupations and time spent engaged in destructive behaviors and thoughts.

Low levels or insufficient use of serotonin in the brain has been implicated with the disorder and so SSRI drugs are commonly used, and with some success, in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Drug treatment will sometimes also include the use of an anxiolytic.

If you or your friend suffers from BDD, never be worry to come and consult it with the doctor, because it should be treated as soon as possible. People with severe body dysmorphic disorder may drop out of school, quit their jobs or avoid leaving their homes. In the most severe cases, people with BDD may consider or attempt suicide. You don’t want this happens to you or your friends or maybe your family, do you?

the image credit by Vjeran Lisjak

__________________________