Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – Symptoms and Treatment
The primary distinguishing feature of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived defect in one’s physical appearance. BDD obsessions may manifest as excessive, disproportionate concerns about a minor flaw, or as recurrent, anxiety-provoking thoughts about an entirely imagined defect. BDD obsessions are most frequently focused on the head and face, but may involve any body part. BDD goes beyond normal concern with one’s appearance, and may significantly impair academic and professional functioning, as well as interpersonal relationships. In extreme cases, an individual with BDD may completely shun any contact with people in an effort to avoid having the defect being observed by others.
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder vary widely from person to person. Some examples of common obsessions seen in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are:
- Moles and freckles being too large or noticeable
- Acne
- Minor scars or skin aberrations
- Too much facial or body hair
- Too little hair on head
- Size and/or shape of genitalia
- Breast size
- Muscles being too small (also known as Muscle Dysmorphia or “Bigorexia”)
- Overall size, shape and/or symmetry of the face or another body part
Some common examples of compulsions seen in Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) include:
- Repetitive checking of a minor or imagined flaw in mirrors
- Avoidance of mirrors
- Avoidance of having picture taken
- Repetitive grooming activities such as shaving, combing hair, etc.
- Repetitive checking, touching and/or measuring of a minor or imagined defect
- Wearing excessive make-up to camouflage a minor or imagined flaw
- Wearing certain clothes to camouflage a minor or imagined defect
- Multiple medical visits, especially to dermatologists
- Multiple medical procedures in an effort to eradicate a minor or imagined flaw
As demonstrated above, BDD has obsessive-compulsive features that are quite similar to those of OCD. In fact, one recent study found that 24% of those with BDD also had OCD. Perhaps the most significant similarity linking BDD and OCD is the cyclical process by which the symptoms of both increase. In this process, called the Obsessive-Compulsive Cycle, the compulsive and avoidant behaviors that individuals employ in an effort to reduce their anxiety actually reinforce and worsen their obsessions. To learn more about this process, click here.