Body dysmorphic disorder

This section contains the follwing information about body dysmorphic disorder;

What is Body dysmorphic disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) which was previously know was dysmorphophobia (also sometimes referred to as body dysmorphia or body dysmorphic syndrome), is an anxiety disorder (psychological). It is characterized by an individual’s excessive preoccupation with a perceived imperfection with some physical features or in fact their appearance as a whole.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states that body dysmorphic disorder occurs when an individual is preoccupied with an imagined defect in appearance, meaning it is only the individual who feels there is a defect when in fact they are perfectly proportioned. This disorder causes a large amount of distress in social and/or occupational and important areas environments inhibiting their ability to function correctly.

Common sufferers are highly critical of their mirror/self image or physique; most commonly individuals tend to be preoccupied with their face, skin, nose and hair. It is also important to remember that in most cases there is no such imperfection or disfigurement and others opinions often strongly conflict with the individuals distorted view of themselves.

People with BDD often comment on changes they wish to make to their appearance, it is not uncommon for some to undergo surgery in an attempt to rectify these illusive imperfections. However post surgery, even if it has been successful, they still find features grossly defected. Most are generally normal and sometimes attractive in appearance; however they believe they are so ugly that they find it extremely difficult and challenging to interact in social situations, resulting in self seclusion. Because they genuinely feel they have deformities or an abnormal physique they do not feel hey have a problem thus seeking help is not a priority for them. Upon realising there might be a problem they will find themselves reluctant for help through fear of being labelled vein.

It is a common misconception for outsiders to look at people with BDD to be full of vanity however it is quite the opposite. People whom are vein generally like their appearance and so proceed to Basque in their own beauty (so to speak). People with BDD are morbidly unhappy with their appearance and obsess with it because it haunts them on a daily basis.

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