Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Research Paper
Introduction
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has been an interest to numerous experts for decades. In the past, BDD is called 'dermatological hypochondriasis' and 'dysmorphophobia' (Wilhelm & Phillips, 2012, 3). However, experts became dissatisfied with such mere renaming of the disorder, and so they decided to give it a full and clear definition. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), BDD is an obsession with a perceived deformity in one's appearance, or if the individual really has a minor physical defect, the burden and effect on the person is enormous (Wilhem & Phillips, 2012). This excessive concern over one's appearance is linked to extreme dissatisfaction and/or disruption in normal functioning. Simply put, a person who has BDD is excessively worried about his/her appearance, which negatively affect their lives. This paper discusses the important features of BDD.
In the past, numerous theories about the cause/s of BDD had a psychological support. Contemporary theories place emphasis on the potential effect of personal attributes or actual experiences in life, such as thinking that appearance is all that matters, faultfinding, or being constantly rejected or mocked by other people (Phillips, 2005). Afterward, biological theories began to surface. Initial empirical findings show that particular genes and impairment in serotonin-- a chemical in the brain-- could be culpable. Sociocultural theories, on the other hand, claim that unreasonable portraits of perfection and beauty shown in the media compel people to think that they are physically defective. These media messages encourage people to be concerned about and repair any flaws in their appearance (Phillips, 2005). Most probably, BDD has diverse causes, which means that factors from sociocultural, psychological, and neurobiological domains have a role to play in the development of the disorder.
Effects
BDD can lead to quite a few adverse effects, especially in the areas of finances, life satisfaction, work, and relationships. In terms of finances, wanting to be flawlessly beautiful would definitely result in financial issues because of the need to undergo numerous and continuous cosmetic procedures. For certain individuals, the obsession, refining, and perfecting behaviors related to BDD can become quite excessive that they become unable to function normally anymore (Phillips, 2005). In terms of life satisfaction, excessive focus on imagined flaws can lead one to encounter feelings of humilitation, awkwardness, anxiety, and depression. In certain instances, one may become too fixated on his/her imagined flaws and look for means to enhance his/her appearance, that s/he will abandon or discontinue the activities or hobbies that give him/her enjoyment and a sense of fulfillment (Phillips, 2005). Thus, his/her life can become quite depressing, restrictive, and oppressive.
In relation to work, because of too much worrying about appearance, one may also experience difficulty in concentrating on work, in a sense that daily undertakings become extremely time-consuming. Hence, excessive concern on one's appearance could be hindering one's career advancement (Wilhelm & Phillips, 2012). And, lastly, with regard to social relationships and romantic attachment, if one is too concerned that other people will notice and unfavorably evaluate his/her appearance, s/he may limit his/her social interactions and activities or may even avoid socializing entirely.
Effects on Mental Health
Majority of individuals with BDD also suffer from other mental illnesses. The most prevalent is acute depressive disorder. According to empirical findings, BDD normally develop prior to depression, and symptoms of major depression usually seemed to be dependent on BDD (Vashi, 2015). A research discovered that successful management of BDD usually immediately results in the reduction of depressive symptoms, and vice versa. Moreover, individuals with BDD develop social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders. It is common to mistake BDD for any of these mental illnesses because they exhibit the same symptoms. Relentless behaviors and disruptive thinking shown in BDD resemble symptoms of OCD (Vashi, 2015). In addition, BDD shares numerous similarities with social anxiety disorder, such as staying away from social interactions or situations.
Who BDD affects?
BDD develops more commonly among females than among males. Even though virtually all of its clinical attributes seem largely the same in both women and men, certain gender variations have been discovered (Vashi, 2015). For instance, men could be more worried about their hair, physique, and genitals, while women could be more focused on their legs, buttocks, breasts, weight, and skin. Women are more prone to look at mirrors persistently, touch their face and skin, and groom excessively, while men were more prone to work out immoderately. In fact, anyone can develop BDD. Nevertheless, it most often appears during adolescence. The precise number of individuals suffering from this disorder remains unidentified, but researchers claim that it affects roughly 1 in 100 people (Wilhelm & Phillips, 2012). Some experts say that it is more widespread. Without proper treatment, the disorder often becomes a lifetime condition.
According to the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (2016), there are numerous celebrities or well-known people who may had endured BDD, namely, Michael Jackson, Shirley Manson, Sylvia Plath, Franz Kafka, and Andy Warhol. Michael Jackson was apparently too concerned about his appearance, as proven by the excessive cosmetic procedures he went through. Shirley Manson openly admitted that she suffered from BDD, while Slyvia Plath indirectly admitted it through her literary works. Franz Kafka had a distorted view of his appearance, as well as Andy Warhol. Celebrities may be more vulnerable to BDD because of the nature of their career. They have to look good, even perfect, every time they go out in public places.
Treatment
Findings from existing studies show that cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) is generally effective for BDD. Numerous empirical findings on CBT have mentioned both cognitive and behavioral treatments involving primarily socialization training and exposure enhancement to lessen compulsive behaviors and social anxiety (Veale & Neziroglu, 2010; Wilhelm & Phillips, 2012). CBT has resulted in steadily positive outcomes in numerous studies, both in group and individual treatments.
Furthermore, existing findings show that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRRIs) are largely effective for BDD. Some of the SRRIs that are sold in the U.S. are clomipramine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. SRRIs are presently prescribed as the preliminary pharmacological treatment for BDD (Veale & Neziroglu, 2010). SRRIs target the balance of the brain chemical serotonin. This would reduce the vulnerability to and severity of BDD.
Conclusions
BDD is a serious problem for both women and men. It is not a mere issue of low self-confidence, but a more profound and severe mental health problem. Understanding the nature of the disorder would help mental health professionals develop more effective treatments. BDD can affect anyone, thus it is time to take this disorder more seriously.
References
Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation (2016). Famous people with BDD. Retrieved from http://bddfoundation.org/resources/famous-people-with-bdd/
Phillips, K. (2005). The broken mirror: understanding and treating body dysmorphic disorder. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Vashi, N. (2015). Beauty and body dysmorphic disorder: a clinician's guide. New York: Springer.
Veale, D. & Neziroglu, F. (2010). Body dysmorphic disorder: a treatment manual. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Wilhelm, S. & Phillips, K. (2012). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder: a treatment manual. New York: Guilford Press.
