What is BDD? Body Dysmorphic Disorder!
“I definitely have body issue, but everybody does. When you come to the realization that everybody does – even the people that I consider flawless – then you can to live the way you are” – Taylor Swift
Today we are going to look at what is BDD? But before start talking about BDD i.e Body Dysmorphic Disorder in detail let’s have a quick look at why are even thinking about discussing BDD.
Well, you all might have noticed that over the years and even till now, the society has set some standards for one’s body or body image which will be considered as the perfect body by everyone. Like for example, women are expected to have fair skin, slim waist, round hips and an average height, whereas the men are expected to be tall, dark (lightly darker than women), have muscles and have a light beard (in Indian Standards) and the moment someone doesn’t match these criteria, they are mocked and made fun of for being different from the set standards.
And these perfect body images have created a lot of stress among youngsters specially but also among others, and people become overly conscious about their body, they start dieting to such an extent where they fall sick, they tend to use any product in the market to have a fair and perfect skin, just in order to get fair skin like the popular celebrities, which in turn is throwing them towards a dangerous end with no return.
Thus, it becomes highly important for us to raise awareness about concerns related body image and it’s portrayal in the society because spreading a positive image of the body has become the need of the now. So, now that we know why it is important for us to talk about BDD in detail.
What is BDD or Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder often abbreviated as BDD, is a mental disorder in which one can’t stop thinking about one or more imaginary things or flaws in their appearance — a mistake that may seem insignificant or unseen to others.
And one may also feel shy, timid, and anxious that they can avoid many social situations. If one has body dysmorphic disorder, they focus more on their appearance and body image, checking the mirror repeatedly, adjusting or needing confirmation, sometimes for several hours each day.
Their thoughtful mistakes and repetitive behaviour can cause great frustration, and it can affect their ability to work out in their daily life. They may also want to apply a lot of cosmetic procedures to try to "correct" their visible flaw.
After that, one may feel a temporary satisfaction or decrease in their stress, but often the anxiety comes back and they may start to look for other ways to correct their flaw.
How does Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) affect people?
People with body dysmorphic disorder may: They consider themselves “wicked.” Think of their flaws that can be seen for hours on end. He misses work or school because he does not want others to see him. Avoid spending time with family and friends.
They have plastic surgery (which they may have undergone several times) to try to improve their appearance. He feels great emotional stress and hurtful behaviour.
Who gets Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body dysmorphic disorder can affect people of both sexes. It usually begins in adolescence or in later ages. Those are usually the years when children begin to compare themselves with others. Body dysmorphic disorder is a chronic disease, meaning once affected it stays for a long time.
Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder can become worse as people get older. They may not even feel happy about the physical changes that accompany old age, such as wrinkles and grey hair.
Signs and symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder include:
Being too busy with appearances is foolish in the eyes of others or seemingly insignificant.
Strong belief that you have a defect in your appearance that makes you ugly or crippled.
The belief that some people pay special attention to your appearance or that they make fun of you.
Engaging in behaviours that are intended to correct or conceal perceived mistakes that are difficult to resist or control, such as looking in a mirror, correcting themselves, or picking up skin.
Trying to hide visible flaws in style, makeup or clothing.
Always compare your appearance with others.
Always looking for reassurance about your appearance to others.
Having a tendency to be imperfect Seek cosmetic procedures with minimal satisfaction.
Avoiding social situations.
What body parts do people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) worry about?
Areas of concern for people with BDD condition include:
Skin imperfections, including wrinkles, scars, acne, and blemishes.
Hair, including scalp or body hair or baldness.
Facial features, usually crying.
Abdomen or chest.
Other areas of concern include:
Penis size.
Muscles.
Breasts.
Pumpkins.
Buttocks.
Body odour.
How common is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body dysmorphic disorder or BDD in short, affects almost about 1 in 50 people. And in the United States, an estimated five to ten million people have the disease. It may be even more common than what the above mentioned numbers represent and that may be because people with body dysmorphic disorder may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms and may not get a diagnosis, in the fear of being judged.
What causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
The exact cause of dysmorphic disorder is unknown. Another theory suggests that there are problems with certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that help nerve cells in the brain send messages to each other).
Body dysmorphic disorder usually occurs in people with other mental health problems, such as major depression and anxiety, which help support this view.
Other factors that may contribute to the development or cause of dysmorphic disorders include:
Experience traumatic events or emotional conflicts between children.
Humiliation.
Parents and others who criticized the person's appearance.
Pressure from peers and society that measures physical appearance and beauty and value.
What are the problems with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Problems with dysmorphic disorder include:
Isolation from society (loneliness), if that person is too self-centred to fail in society.
The loneliness can also affect school and office work.
High risk of developing major depression and suicidal behaviour.
Many surgeries to try to correct the apparent error.
Can Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) be prevented?
You may not be able to prevent dysmorphic disorder. But family members and loved ones can also help a person stay healthy by reducing the risk of developing dysmorphic disorder or preventing it from becoming worse:
Start treatment as soon as the person has symptoms.
Discuss and promote healthy and realistic attitudes about body image with each other.
Provide a supportive environment to help the person deal with the problem.
Thus, now we have a fair idea about what is Body Dysmorphic Disorder or BDD in detail, we should make sure promote and create awareness about it, as it seems to be a serious issue if not taken care of properly and this might really affect the mental health of the youngsters, as they will fussing over all the wrong things. Like having a fit and perfect body is important but is not an obligation where one to follow it like a Do or Die situation.
Ref: Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments (clevelandclinic.org)
Body dysmorphic disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic