Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), commonly referred to as body dysmorphia, is a psychological condition characterised by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in one’s appearance, often invisible or minor to others. This disorder can lead to significant distress, impairing daily functioning and quality of life. This article explores the causes, impacts, and treatment options for body dysmorphia, drawing upon current scientific research.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact causes of BDD are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, neurobiological, environmental, and psychological factors:
- Genetic Predisposition: Family studies suggest a hereditary component to BDD, indicating that individuals may have an inherited susceptibility to the disorder (Monzani et al., 2012, Psychiatric Genetics).
- Neurobiological Factors: Research indicates abnormalities in certain brain areas involved in processing visual information and emotional regulation in individuals with BDD (Feusner et al., 2007, Archives of General Psychiatry).
- Environmental Influences: Cultural and societal pressures emphasizing physical appearance, as well as experiences of bullying or teasing, can contribute to the development of BDD (Didie et al., 2006, Body Image).
- Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and anxiety disorders are commonly associated with BDD, suggesting a psychological vulnerability to the disorder (Buhlmann et al., 2002, Behaviour Research and Therapy).
Impact of Body Dysmorphia
The impact of BDD extends beyond preoccupation with appearance, affecting various aspects of an individual’s life:
- Mental Health: BDD is often comorbid with depression, anxiety, and social anxiety disorder, significantly affecting mental well-being (Phillips, 2005, American Journal of Psychiatry).
- Social and Occupational Functioning: The intense shame and self-consciousness experienced by individuals with BDD can lead to avoidance of social situations, relationship difficulties, and impaired occupational functioning.
- Risk of Suicide: The distress and impairment associated with BDD increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior (Phillips, 2007, Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior).
Treatment Options
Effective treatment for BDD typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is considered the gold standard in psychotherapy for BDD. It focuses on identifying and challenging distorted beliefs about appearance and reducing avoidance behaviors (Wilhelm et al., 2014, Behaviour Research and Therapy).
- Medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for BDD, shown to be effective in reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors (Hollander et al., 1999, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry).
Conclusion
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a debilitating condition that requires comprehensive understanding and treatment to manage effectively. Early intervention and a combination of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments offer the best chance for individuals to overcome the obsessive and negative self-perceptions associated with BDD. As awareness and understanding of BDD improve, so too will the availability and effectiveness of treatments, offering hope to those affected by this challenging disorder.
References
- Monzani, B., Rijsdijk, F., Harris, J., & Mataix-Cols, D. (2012). The structure of genetic and environmental risk factors for dimensional representations of DSM-5 obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders. Psychiatric Genetics.
- Feusner, J.D., Townsend, J., Bystritsky, A., & Bookheimer, S. (2007). Visual information processing of faces in body dysmorphic disorder. Archives of General Psychiatry.
- Didie, E.R., Tortolani, C.C., Pope, C.G., Menard, W., Fay, C., & Phillips, K.A. (2006). Childhood abuse and neglect in body dysmorphic disorder. Body Image.
- Buhlmann, U., Wilhelm, S., McNally, R.J., Tuschen-Caffier, B., Baer, L., & Jenike, M.A. (2002). Interpretive biases for ambiguous information in body dysmorphic disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy.
- Phillips, K.A. (2005). The Broken Mirror: Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry.
- Phillips, K.A. (2007). Suicidality in body dysmorphic disorder. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior.
- Wilhelm, S., Phillips, K.A., & Steketee, G. (2014). A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Manual for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Guilford Press.
- Hollander, E., Allen, A., Kwon, J., Aronowitz, B., Schmeidler, J., Wong, C., & Simeon, D. (1999). Clomipramine vs desipramine crossover trial in body dysmorphic disorder: Selective efficacy of a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in imagined ugliness. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
How to get in touch
If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@calmandcaring.com.
