Body Dysmorphia Disorder

What is it

Humans are social animals. It is only natural that we care about how peers and other people of interest perceive us. With that comes the responsibility of appearing our best, making great first and a lasting impression. That obviously includes extruding a decent or a ravishing appearance. But when does one cross the line and enter the realm of an unhealthy obsession over something that we are inherently born with and is hard to control? Especially in a world where vanity pervades space, it is nothing short of a miracle not to succumb to these pressures.

Suppose you have obsessed over one or multiple physical flaws, albeit very insignificant in appearance, and more or less invisible to others. In that case, you have one of the many traits of BDD (this may not mean you have BDD, a professional diagnosis is needed before one can claim that). You may perceive a particular body part to be undesirable. This flaw probably made you very anxious or reluctant to attend social gatherings or other such events. It makes you impulsively focus on the flaws, constantly checking the mirror, seeking validation, cosmetic surgery, trying to groom it out, and more. You may even be taken to makeup as a last resort to try and hide it since its very existence causes you extreme distress. All the aforementioned “solutions” are temporary and short-lived. Therefore, one would be better off seeking professional help. Make no mistake, BDD is a mental disorder. Those diagnosed with BDD often participate in self-derogation and see themselves as “ugly.” This type of behaviour could lead to something more dangerous. BDD shares some of its characteristics with OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder) and eating disorder.

Stakeholders of BDD

BDD Stakeholders include not only those who suffer from BDD but also those who invest emotionally into them and end up getting immensely affected by it.

Teenagers to adults in their late 20’s are more likely to develop BDD than any other age group.

Due to social conformities and general disapproval of the LGBTQIA+ community, and the immense societal pressure for appearing and behaving “normal” in matters of sexual orientation and inherent physical features, they are more vulnerable towards disorders like BDD, as compared to heterosexuals.

Why should we care? These groups are already vulnerable, and merely educating ourselves and those around us, especially ones that seem ‘bigoted’, will do wonders in alleviating the societal pressures. If this isn’t enough of a reason, general camaraderie and compassion is expected of everybody in an already morose world, and that would go a long way.

Symptoms

• Extremely obsessive over an ostensible flaw (face, hair, skin, muscles, breasts, genitalia)

• Convinced that the flaw makes them “ugly.”

• Desperately trying to cover up the flaw by invasive methods

• Perfectionism

• Reluctance to social events

• Socially un-functional due to distress

What causes BDD?

Unfortunately, one can suffer from BDD if a blood relative suffers from it too. It can be passed down through genetics.

Going through a brief or prolonging traumatic experience can cause an onset of BDD. Having a distasteful childhood due to bullying, abuse, neglect, or any negative experience in general like rejection could be the reason.

People who are impulsively into perfectionism, especially regarding their bodies and appearance, and those under pressure due to the impossible social norms for beauty, are more likely to have BDD.

BDD could give rise to low self-esteem, which is another cause of BDD.

People with pre-existing mental health conditions are vulnerable to BDD too.

Get help

Stakeholders of BDD should note that merely reassuring one suffering from BDD regarding their concerns, i.e. the flaws, will not make a dent. Saying that their flaw is not real and is insignificant will not help. The most recommended way to acquire help and overcome BDD is to seek professional help. Only professionals can prescribe suitable medications and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Sometimes BDD could become so severe that psychiatric hospitalization is required. However, not everybody can afford professional help. There are a few things one can do at home to help themselves or those around:

1. Educating oneself on BDD.

2. Avoiding drugs and alcohol.

3. Recreational activities and physical exercise should help reinforce a positive attitude and manage the symptoms. However, care needs to be taken that excessive exercise isn’t used as a remedy to fix a flaw.

4. Journal entries can be a positive outlet as well as a mechanism for identifying the relevant emotions.

5. Relaxation techniques like meditation and managing stress can help curb BDD.

6. Immersing oneself in a benevolent situation like a support group and surrounding oneself with a positive outlook can bring about a positive change.

Positive reinforcement works. So let's recite this mantra for a benevolent change in direction in our lives.

" I will not be deceived by societal beauty standards.

The concept of perfection is an imperfect one.

I will not comment on other's body or health.

Beautification of everything is a flawed idea and it isn't a reality.

Perfection does not exist. "