September 2019

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder, also known as body dysmorphia, is a mental disorder that evokes a high level of
anxiety due to the flaw’s of one’s appearance. It is an obsession over self-image that causes distress and dysfunction in
the individual’s daily life that typically progresses when left untreated.

What are the characteristics of BDD?

• Individuals with BDD typically focus in on one area or flaw, as opposed to the body as a whole, some
common targets including:

o Skin imperfections

o Facial features

o Weight (size of one’s thighs, arms, stomach, etc.)

• In the United States, about 2.5% of males are affected by BDD and about 2.2% of females.

• BDD often begins during adolescence, typically around 12 years old.

• Symptoms/signs may include, but are not limited to:

o Spending at least an hour a day thinking about one’s appearance

o Reassurance seeking

o Undergoing plastic surgery repeatedly

o Avoiding social situations, because of distress

o Compulsive skin picking

What causes BDD?

While there is not one cause to Body Dysmorphic Disorder, it is thought to be a compilation of various factors:

• Low levels of serotonin

• Visual processing in the brain (studies have shown that people with BDD tend to over- focus and create
distortions when viewing images).

• Traumatic childhood experiences

• Environmental factors – From the way that beauty is portrayed in media and advertising to household
environments where children never could live up to the expectations of the parents.

• Linkage to other disorders – Such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression,
and etc.

What treatment options are there?

It is important to note that many people refuse to seek help for this disorder out of dear or embarrassment. Once a
patient does seek help, various treatments include:

• Antidepressants, specifically SSRIs (elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

o Learn how to cope with negative thoughts and control emotional reactions

o Learn how to think flexibly, alternate ways to handle urges and techniques to improve mental health