What is BDD? Body Dysmorphic Disorder!

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What Is BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)?

What Is BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)?

iChhori article summary with added expert context

🧠 What is BDD?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where someone becomes excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws—often minor or nonexistent—in their appearance. These concerns cause significant distress or disruption in daily life. BDD is considered part of the obsessive-compulsive disorders spectrum in DSM‑5 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

🔍 Common Symptoms

  • Obsessive preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws (face, skin, hair, body shape) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Repetitive behaviors: mirror checking, grooming, skin picking, reassurance-seeking, camouflaging with clothing or makeup :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Avoidance of social situations, work, or school due to distress :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Emotional distress: anxiety, shame, depression; sometimes suicidal thoughts :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

📊 Prevalence & Onset

  • Affects about 0.7–2.4% of the population on average, often starting in adolescence :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Affects both genders equally, though “muscle dysmorphia” subtype is more common in males :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

🎯 Causes & Risk Factors

  • Combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors—e.g., family history, brain chemistry, bullying, teasing :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • Societal and cultural pressures (social media, beauty standards) are also influential :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

🧩 Diagnosis Criteria

  • Excessive focus on perceived physical flaw(s) not seen—or seen as minor—by others :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  • Engagement in repetitive behaviors or mental acts related to appearance :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
  • Causes significant distress or functional impairment :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
  • Not better explained by another disorder (e.g. eating disorder if focused only on weight) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

💊 Treatment Options

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including exposure & response prevention—most effective approach :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
  • Medication: SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline) often help reduce obsessive thoughts :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
  • Support groups, mindfulness, journaling, lifestyle changes to manage symptoms :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

⚠️ Importance of Early Intervention

Without treatment, BDD can lead to worsening symptoms, chronic depression, social isolation, and elevated suicide risk—up to 2–12 times higher than the general population :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🗣️ Voices from the Community

> “Treatment is pretty good… The goal… full remission… Some symptoms may stick around, but … no longer experiencing debilitating levels of distress.” – Reddit user :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

✅ Bottom Line

  • BDD is a real and treatable mental health condition rooted in obsessions about appearance.
  • If you or someone you know spends excessive time worrying about bodily “flaws” that disrupt everyday life, professional help (CBT + medication) is highly recommended.
  • Early action improves chances of remission and better quality of life.
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