Bringing Awareness to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Bringing Awareness to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Posted By:
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Social media has revolutionized the way that humans see themselves. Thanks to filters and Photoshop, we can create and post the perfect image of ourselves, correcting the various flaws that we perceive. Unfortunately, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a very real disorder for 2% to 4% of adolescents, 3% of young adults, and 2% to 3% of older adults.

BDD is described as a preoccupation with nonexistent or slight defects in physical appearance, leading to the perception that one is unattractive or has deformities when, in fact, they have normal features. Interestingly, neuroimaging and other studies have shown that patients with BDD may have abnormal visual processing, tending to focus on details of the face or body parts, rather than seeing "the whole picture." The condition often goes unrecognized and may lead to significant emotional and physical distress, including skin picking or destruction, isolation, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Patients with BDD may seek alteration in their appearance through dermatology and plastic surgery services, often seeing numerous providers in order to find one who agrees to perform the procedures or treatments that they desire. While minor cosmetic procedures such as Botox or fillers may initially appease patients with BDD, it often becomes a slippery slope, resulting in patients seeking more aggressive treatments and placing the clinician in a difficult position. Fortunately, studies have shown that patients with BDD can be helped with approaches such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Clinicians should be cognizant of BDD and refer patients to mental health practitioners for appropriate counseling and therapy. In addition, clinicians and patients can benefit from learning more about this condition through the International OCD Foundation.

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Filed under: Psychiatry , Miscellaneous

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