Weighing The Facts

Characterized by an excessive preoccupation with defects in physical appearance, real or imagined, people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder have an exaggerated view of how they look. They are obsessed with perceived flaws and often see themselves as ugly, and even disfigured. Even when reassured by others that their perceived flaws are not noticeable and that they look fine, those with BDD generally find it very difficult to control negative thoughts about their appearance.

People with this disorder commonly focus their obsessions on the face or head. They may be preoccupied with thinning hair, wrinkles, the color/shade of their skin, size and shape of their ears, nose, eyes, and jaw but may also include other body parts such as arms, legs, stomach, hips, genitals, and overall body size. Suffers may endure repeated plastic surgery procedures in an attempt to rectify these imagined defects. It is not uncommon for those with BDD to shun the company of others, whether at work or socially.

BDD usually beings in adolescence and affects both males and females. It often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed due to the symptoms being similar to other disorders such as panic disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, OCD, and depression. Testing is done by a psychiatrist or psychologist and will include administering the BDDQ (Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire).

Symptoms:

Frequently comparing appearance with that of others
Repeatedly checking the appearance of the specific body part in mirrors or other reflective surfaces
Refusing to have pictures taken
Wearing excessive clothing, makeup and hats to camouflage the perceived flaw
Using hands or posture to hide the imagined defect
Frequently touching the perceived flaw
Picking at one's skin
Frequently measuring the imagined or exaggerated defect
Elaborate grooming rituals
Excessive researching about the perceived defective body part
Seeking surgery or other medical treatment despite contrary opinions or medical recommendations
Seeking reassurance about the perceived defect or trying to convince others that it's abnormal or excessive
Avoiding social situations in which the perceived flaw might be noticed
Feeling anxious and self-conscious around others (social phobia) because of the imagined defect. (mayo clinic)

Causes:

The Cause of Body Dysmorphic Disorder is unclear. There are a number of factors that may be involved and may occur in combination, according to researchers. These include:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Eating Disorders
Anxiety Disorder
Chemical Imbalances of the Brain

Treatment:

"Treatment for body dysmorphic disorder may involve a combined approach involving medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy). Antidepressant medications used along with cognitive behavior therapy can help people with body dysmorphic disorder manage the obsession and anxiety about their appearance, increase confidence in how they look, and obtain normalcy in their social and work lives."

See also: Body Dysmorphic Disorder(BDD):Self-Assessment Tests

sources:http://www.healthyplace.com
http://www.mayoclinic.com
picture:bigfoto.com

Based on the recent poll, My Eating Disorder: One Word At A Time, one of the highest ranking choices was the word "Shame."

In hopes of helping others to understand and/or relate, Weighing The Facts is looking for your experience with shame and it's connection to your eating disorder. Submissions that are received will be included in an upcoming post. All submissions will be anonymous, listing only your gender and your age. You may include your first (or a fictitious) name if you so choose.

It can be whatever you need for it to be; one word, one or several paragraphs, or a poem. It is totally up to you.

If you are interested in sharing your experience and having it posted here, please email me at MrsMenopausal@yahoo.com.

Thank you.

Poll results can be found here.

Writings on the shame and eating disorders can be found here.

picture source: http://www.bigfoto.com

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