Body Dysmorphic Disorder
BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) is a condition which distorts a person’s perception of themselves to such an extreme, that it has the capacity to destroy a sufferer's life. BDD is not ‘vanity’ it is an often misunderstood condition that is a real illness. A BDD sufferer may be the most beautiful and attractive person in the world, but they are unable to see themselves the way others do. Despite endless compliments and reassurances a person with BDD will still see a distorted image of themselves which they believe is ugly and repulsive. People affected with BDD may often suffer from self loathing, as the perception they have of themselves is so negative. A sufferer once described it as like ‘looking into a broken mirror.’ No matter how hard they try, sufferers cannot see a clear image of themselves and instead see something ‘vile and disgusting.’
A Person With BDD May...
- Constantly look in the mirror
- Always seek reassurance about their appearance
- Wear excessive make-up to cover their ‘ugliness’
- Constantly touch or measure the perceived defect
- Repeatedly pick at their skin or pluck their hair and eyebrows
- Try to seek medical help for the perceived defect
- Excessive dieting and exercise
- Feel extremely anxious and uncomfortable around people
BDD can drastically affect a person’s life, destroying relationships, work life, home life... and has the potential to poison every aspect of a sufferer’s existence.
BDD is estimated to affect at least one per cent of the UK population. People who have a history of depression, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and eating disorders may be more prone to developing BDD. Like with many anxiety disorders, the cause of BDD is not clear.
BDD can cause such extreme psychological distress that it often leads to other conditions such as depression, anxiety, social phobia and other disorders. It can be very difficult for a person with BDD to get help due to several reasons. Sufferers may feel shame and embarrassment for feeling and acting the way they do and can be reluctant to talk about their problem. Sometimes BDD sufferers are not aware that they have an illness and instead may think that they are simply going mad or crazy. BBD can be so severe that sufferers may seek cosmetic surgery (or in some cases, attempt their own) in order to try and get rid of their ‘deformities.’
Help For BDD
Treatment may include antidepressant medication, cognitive behavioural therapy or a combination of both. Antipsychotic medication is sometimes used.
More Information
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health
www.bddcentral.com
www.thebddfoundation.org