Body dysmorphic disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder is a chronic mental illness in which a person constantly thinks about a defect in their appearance - this defect is often insignificant or invented. However, for the patient, his own appearance is so shameful that he does not want anyone to see it
During body dysmorphic disorder, the patient is strongly obsessed with his own appearance and may spend several hours a day thinking about his appearance. The peculiar, intensified perception of the patient's shortcomings causes him to worry, and his obsessive thoughts interfere with his daily life. During the disorder, the patient uses a lot of cosmetics or exercises a lot to correct his "defect", but he is never satisfied with the result.
Body dysmorphic disorder can be treated with medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.
The specific causes of body dysmorphic disorder are unknown Like other mental illnesses, body dysmorphic disorder is the result of a combination of many factors, such as:
- Problems in the brain Abnormal brain structure or chemistry can cause body dysmorphic disorder
- Genetics Studies show that body dysmorphic disorder is more common in patients whose family members also have the condition. Research indicates that there is at least one gene associated with the development of the disease
- Environmental conditions Your environment, life experiences, and existing culture can be the cause of body dysmorphic disorder, especially when these factors have a negative impact on your self-esteem.
Symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder:
- Care about physical appearance with extreme observation
- Frequent self-checking in the mirror, or conversely constant avoidance of looking in mirrors
- Strong belief that the patient has a serious defect or flaw in his appearance that makes him ugly
- Belief that others pay special attention to the patient's bad appearance
- Avoid going to public places
- Wish to stay at home all the time
- Wish others to convince the patient that there are no problems with his appearance
- Frequent cosmetic procedures with the result of which the patient is not satisfied
- Excessive hair combing and care, hair pulling, skin irritation Strong physical exertion, as a result of which the "defect" is not corrected
- Wanting to grow a long beard, wear excessive make-up, or wear a lot of clothing to cover up one's appearance
- Comparing one's own appearance to that of others
- Having to appear in pictures
You may constantly think about any part of your body The body part you focus on will change over time Common common features that people with body dysmorphic disorder obsess over are:
- Parts of the face, such as wrinkles on the nose, skin conditions, pimples, and other lesions
- Hair, its appearance, thinning, or baldness
- Appearance of skin and veins
- Chest These perceptions may not be true at all, yet it is very difficult to convince them that they are wrong. Frequent thoughts about physical inadequacy can cause many problems in everyday life, such as missing work, feeling uncomfortable at school or in public places.
When to see a doctor
- Feeling shame and embarrassment about your appearance may prevent you from seeking medical treatment. Be sure to consult your doctor if you have symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder As a rule, the condition of body dysmorphic disorder does not improve without medical intervention and, on the contrary, worsens, as a result of which the patient may even suffer from suicidal thoughts.
