Everyone knows what it’s like to hear that inner critic nagging at them. But imagine if that internal monologue was non-stop. You feel as if you never stop thinking about something in your appearance that you perceive as a flaw. You know it’s minor (at most) and that no one else notices it. Yet, it makes you so self-conscious that you sometimes avoid social interactions.
All of the above partly describes what Body Dysmorphic Disorder is. Also called Body Dysmorphia, this mental health condition can dominate your mindset and hamper your daily functionality. Your attention is captured by perceived defects and the shame they cause you.
A Few Facts About Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
BDD impacts both males and females.
It can start at any age but most commonly arises during teen years and early adulthood.
Without treatment, BDD can persist and worsen well into old age (aging changes can trigger it in a major way).
At least 1 in 50 people in the U.S. struggle with BDD. As many as 10 million Americans are believed to have BDD. It’s tough to pin down exact numbers because the nature of the disorder leads people to be secretive about it and prevents them from seeking treatment.
The goal of BDD treatment is about finding a cure. Rather, therapists work with clients to help lessen the impact of the disease.
BDD Signs To Watch For
Someone with BDD sees what others cannot see. These perceived flaws lead them to call themselves ugly, fat, bald, etc. The defects take up a major chunk of their mental energy and physical time. It’s not uncommon for a person with BDD to eventually avoid friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and other people — in the name of not allowing them to see these flaws and defects. As a result, here is some of what to watch for:
A belief that others are focusing on your appearance and mocking you about it
Trying to control who can see what you prefer to not be seen
Turning down social invitations, missing time at school or work
Comparing yourself to others
Being a perfectionist
Seeking reassurance but not being comforted by it
Talking to and meeting with medical professionals to discuss procedures that might “fix” you
Never being satisfied with your appearance — even if you get cosmetic procedures done
What Does Someone With BDD Focus On?
Of course, each person is different. Plus, many folks with BDD will fixate on multiple body parts or aspects of their physical appearance. This fixation can shift over the years. That said, there are some common areas of focus for people with Body Dysmorphia. For example, a general sense of being too small or not muscular enough is common mostly in males. Other areas of BDD focus may include:
Breast and genitalia size
Hair — primarily as it pertains to thinning or balding
Skin appearance, head to toe
The face, including complexion, signs of aging, nose size, and any kind of blemishes
Mid-section, abdominal muscles, waist size, etc.
Basically, as you can see, there are commonalities among those who struggle with BDD but the disorder will manifest a little differently for each person. The key is to recognize it so you can get the help you need. It’s not a case of being vain when you stare in the mirror for hours. There’s something going on and help is available.
If anything in the above discussion resonated with you, we should talk. Let’s explore the possibility that you might be dealing with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. The sooner you meet with a therapist, the sooner you can learn the skills you need to manage this condition. I offer anxiety treatment as a way to help someone deal with this challenging disorder.