The growing interest and awareness about mental health and the possible emotional disorders that we may face has increased self-observation and interest in self-care. Among mental disorders, those that are related to alterations in perception and the relationship with our body seem to be the most talked about, finding their presence and influence by the major media or in mere socialization.
This is the case of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), previously known as dysmorphophobia, dermatological hypochondria or beauty hypochondria. The main problem in this disorder lies in the existence of a persistent concern about a defect in physical appearance. This concern does not correspond to the reality of the possible defect, since this is usually either difficult to detect or non-existent (without entering into the debate of what we could consider a defect in appearance and what not).
Many health professionals speak of Body Dysmorphic Disorder as an underdiagnosed problem, and despite clinical references dating back to the 19th century, its scientific and clinical study and knowledge has not intensified until the last decade.
In this article, Let’s delve into BDD, identifying its most common signs and symptoms to know how to identify if we may be going through a disorder like this, for which it is important to know how to have professional psychological therapeutic support.
As presented previously, the main characteristic of BDD is the presence of a very intense and persistent worry over time in relation to a physical characteristic, normally almost imperceptible or even non-existent. According to the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, these concerns can be focused on any point in the body or change over time and throughout the course of the disorder.
Following the diagnostic criteria in this manual, There are two specifiers to consider in order to develop a diagnosis of BDD. These are:
1. Degree of understanding of the problem
This specifier refers to the way in which the patient understands his or her problem and this understanding is reflected in the excessive concern and attention that is placed on this “defect.” This is reflected in a continuum that can range from an appropriate level of concern to delusional levels of conviction.
Around a third of those diagnosed with BDD are part of the group of people with a delusional conviction, complicating their treatment and potentially increasing comorbidity with other psychological disorders.
2. Additional presence of muscle dysmorphia
In some cases, BDD focuses on thinking that the body has poor muscle development, which leads patients to excessive physical activity. with the aim of increasing bodybuilding, adhering to specific diets to increase muscle, or even the use of anabolics or steroids. This, in the long term, can lead to physiological problems of muscle dysmorphia, making the treatment a more complex process. It is important to note that this muscle dysmorphia is much more common in men than in women.
What symptoms does Body Dysmorphic Disorder have?
To answer the main question of this article, we are going to review the most common symptoms related to BDD. It is important to self-observe and become aware of a problem if you have one in order to reach a solution. If you think you may be experiencing BDD, it is important that you seek therapeutic and psychological help; It’s probably the only way you can get out of this.
As presented previously, the main component of TDC is overflowing concern, sustained over time and obsessive in relation to a defect that in most cases does not exist.
2. Behaviors to “hide” the defect
This overwhelming worry triggers behaviors that can be more or less repetitive to hide or disguise this physical defect that generates worry. These behaviors can be of a very diverse nature, from recurring glances in mirrors to check the existence of this defect, constant observation and comparison with other people excessive tanning, using makeup in specific ways to hide this problem, or excessively asking other people about one’s appearance or the defect that is causing concern.
Sometimes, as mentioned above, these behaviors can reach extremes that put health at risk, such as excessive muscle building, the use of anabolic drugs, adherence to dangerous diets or the use of cosmetic surgery in a way obsessive and repetitive. What characterizes BDD is that, no matter how many physical remedies are tried, this defect continues to exist for people who suffer from it.
3. Suicidal ideation
Long-term studies of BDD patients demonstrate the existence of suicidal ideation in 57.8% of cases, leading to self-harming behavior or suicide attempts in 2.6% of these. This is mainly due to hiding symptoms and feeling misunderstood by the majority of those around them. For these people, this physical “defect” accounts for most of their days and worries, and not receiving understanding from their environment can mean feelings of loneliness and isolation that can evolve into suicidal ideations.
In conclusion, BDD is a very serious disorder that can lead to suicide. Furthermore, in most cases, the associated symptoms lead patients to develop behaviors that can be very harmful to their body in the long term.
Therefore, it is important to identify to what extent the obsession with a part of our body is normal and the search for remedies or solutions that we can do about it. If you think you are experiencing symptoms characteristic of BDD, seek professional help; The most important thing to be comfortable with our body is learning to love and respect it.
