We have all at some point in our lives been self-conscious about some physical defect. or burdened by some part of our body that we do not appreciate. But… what happens when a small complex becomes a pure obsession?
Dysmorphophobia is the name for what is known as body dysmorphic disorder, which is part of somatoform disorders. Literally, It is a phobia or exaggerated rejection of a part of one’s own body..
We are talking about a problem of distortion of body image, therefore, The symptoms are related to the obsession with a specific part of the subject’s physical appearance.
The person who suffers from it feels constant and excessive worry about some physical defect, whether real or imagined. If such a physical defect exists in reality, the levels of anxiety experienced are exorbitant, since they perceive it in an exaggerated way, potentially leading to significant emotional problems or social isolation. It is important to note that we are not referring to a self-image problem related to eating disorders (as in anorexia) or sexual identity (which involves rejection of one’s own body, specifically, one’s genitals).
Causes and beginnings of this psychological disorder
These types of problems usually begin in adolescence, where the greatest physical and bodily changes occur, and decrease with age, although sometimes they can persist into adulthood.
It has been studied that Dysmorphophobia appears to the same extent in men as in womenalthough it might be thought that the pressure for the physique demands more from the female gender. According to the etiology, the obsession with a part of the body is more common among upper-class young people, with few or no physical defects, but which they magnify and make it the center of their life. The tendency towards an anxious personality, low self-esteem or having been a victim of some type of bullying or ridicule in childhood can predispose one to suffer from this type of problem.
The “cursed parts” of the body
According to various studies on the subject, lThe typical areas that are the object of greatest obsession They are: skin defects (spots, acne or wrinkles on the face), teeth, chest, scars, facial asymmetry, lips, nose, abdomen, ears, chin and, in men, also the genitals.
The feeling of anguish due to obsession can lead people who suffer from it to real emotional imbalances related to depression, anxiety attacks, low self-esteem and social isolation when thinking that everyone sees their “defect” in the same way.
Feelings of shame or social inadequacy constantly accompany them, as well as comparisons with other people’s physiques. It is very common that associated with this obsession comes a compulsion to try to reduce anxiety. In this sense, the person can fall into a true ritual of aesthetic care, abuse of makeupcreams, or specific type of clothing to camouflage or divert attention. Some affected people compulsively check their image in mirrors, while others avoid them at all costs.
Photoshop culture and cosmetic surgery as a solution
The current reference models transferred from the media, on many occasions tThey break unattainable beauty standardswhich penetrate more vulnerable people by having an erroneous perception of real beauty and a distorted or exaggerated perception of their imperceptible or imaginary physical defects.
This obsession with the physique affects all types of people, and is also accentuated if they have a public image or live off it and have a high status. Lately we have been able to see how in some celebrities or personalities, cosmetic surgery treatments have resulted in physical changes that have little to do with the original face. In most cases, public opinion believes that the surgery was not only not necessary, but that the results have not been good. We will only have to remember the faces of some famous women, after their last “touch-ups”, not only because there are no signs of natural aging, but because they have lost their most characteristic physical features. And it is that Major and minor plastic surgery is being the famous method to calm anxiety and promote obsession with physical perfectionism..
The problem is not on the surface
The problem is that the physical changes or improvements that occur at the body level thanks to the magic of surgery, They manage to reduce anxiety momentarily and in the short term, but after a short time the obsession reappears.
The reinforcement with surgery is almost immediate but is not sustained because the problem is sustained by body distortion, body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem… so that shortly after, they feel dissatisfied and resort to the intervention again.
If there are no major associated disorders, It is very important to help these people make a realistic adjustment to their own image. as well as deep work on self-esteem. Part of the anxiety about the physical appearance is maintained because the person does not value other areas of his life, and they make that defect a whole.
On the other hand, It will be essential to expose yourself to enjoying social relationships regardless of your own assessment. Rational acceptance of one’s own defects but also of one’s own personal resources are the key to reorienting sufferers of this type of problem.
