Everyone has the one or two things about their body that they would like to change. It is every teen’s nightmare to grow an unsightly pimple the night before the prom or picture day. Some may want larger muscles while others want a smaller waist. This is a normal issue that most people have in one way or another. Being self aware and desiring a physical change is usually not a problem. Now imagine if the one or two flaws make it impossible for you to live your life or even leave your house. The obsession with the flaw takes away hours of your day, causing the compulsion to get plastic surgery, or to work towards fixing the flaws. Being late for work or school due to hours in front of the mirror, wearing oversized clothing, exercising for extended periods, and finding ways to hide the flaw become daily occurrences. This disorder is not usually due to a true major flaw or deformity but the person with the disorder sees it as such. Sometimes the flaw is imagined and cannot be seen by others but the obsession is real and can be debilitating. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is sometimes seen with eating disorders but it can be present without it.
Causes
It is not known what causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder but there are some possible origins. Usually an environment or culture in which physical appearance is important, rewarded, or criticized can increase the likelihood of this disorder. There may also be difference in brain chemistry or it may be learned from parent or caregiver behavior. Symptoms of this disorder are usually somewhat unique to the person and the perceived flaw or deformity. Most people with this disorder do have some symptoms in common that include the preoccupation, or obsession, with the area of the body that they feel is flawed. They will have an unwavering belief that this flaw is so obvious that everyone is disgusted by their physical appearance. Some will avoid social situations all together or spend so much time trying to cover the flaw that they miss out on events. When it is an option, they might get numerous surgeries to try to look perfect, but will always be disappointed and want more work done. Sometimes the desire to alter their body can cause health problems or create scars that become an added source of obsession. An example is someone who feels their hair is too thin and tries to brush or style it in a way that is acceptable but ends up pulling out hairs which intensifies the cycle. This is often not a disorder that people can attack on their own or without some form of treatment.
Treatment
Depending on the severity of the disorder treatment could either be short or long term outpatient care or psychiatric hospitalization. Hospitalization may only be required for someone whose obsession poses a critical health risk. Generally, Cognitive Behavior Therapy is used to help the person understand the disorder and change unhealthy and obsessive behaviors. Therapy allows the person to increase awareness of their body and have a realistic view of the imagined or minor flaw. Therapy can be very effective but only if the person with Body Dysmorphic Disorder desires help to overcome the symptoms. In some cases antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication will be paired with therapy to help the client achieve a calm state so they can actively be involved in their own treatment. For children dealing with this disorder it may be wise to determine the likely cause so that the disorder is not triggered in the home environment after therapy has been successful.
