The Psychology Behind Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder occurs when individuals become preoccupied with a flaw in their appearance that others do not notice. Common examples of these defects involve hair, wrinkles, blemishes, size or shape of nose, height, body composition or proportion, and body odor. Usually emerging at adolescence, body dysmorphic disorder equally affects about four million American males and females, according to body image data from the Eating-Disorder-Information website. Psychotherapist and author Abigail A. Natenshon, MA LCSW adds that over one-third of all females within the age range of 15-39 experience body dysmorphic disorder.

Psychologists classify body dysmorphic disorder in the category of somatoform disorders that involve a history of physiological issues triggered by psychological factors. A diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder is based on the symptoms of excessive looking in the mirror at a perceived "trouble area" for a number of hours throughout the day, hiding the "trouble area" with loose clothing, and continuous trips to a cosmetic surgeon. Despite undergoing cosmetic surgery, preoccupation with the "trouble area" often continues. In addition to describing body dysmorphic disorder, preoccupation with one's looks may also be a symptom of other psychological disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, delusional (paranoid) disorder, and eating disorders as discussed in the book Abnormal Psychology by Gerald C. Davidson and John M. Neale.

In terms of treatment for body dysmorphic disorder, it is important to note that it involves treating the underlying psychological issues that are primarily the feelings of fear that create anxiety or the repressed anger that characterizes depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, two major treatments for body dysmorphic disorder include: 1) psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, used to explore "cognitive distortions" or faulty assumptions that affect one's feelings, moods, thoughts, and behavior, with the goal of replacing negative perceptions with realistic thinking; in combination with 2) medications prescribed for depression such as Tricyclic Antidepressants and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Other coping methods for body dysmorphic disorder include engaging in an exercise program, adopting a support network, practicing stress management such as yoga, writing in a journal, and reading self-help books.

Above all, the goals of each of the treatments used for body dysmorphic disorder are to bring patients in touch with reality and to create within them a positive outlook. As mentioned above, dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance symbolizes psychological disturbances such as depression and anxiety. When patients develop awareness of and rid themselves of feelings of inadequacy or fear of rejection, they will begin to fully love themselves both inwardly and outwardly. When they begin to think rationally, realizing that beauty comes in many different forms, they will develop self-esteem and eliminate shame in themselves. These alterations in beliefs and behavior will in turn lead to a quality of life both personally and professionally.

Sources

"Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)." Eating-Disorder-Information.com.

Davison, G.C., & Neale, J.M. (2001). Abnormal Psychology. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Mayo Clinic Staff. "Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Treatments and Drugs." (2008, Nov. 5). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).