Contents:
- Medical Video: I Drank a Glass of Wine Every Day, See What Happened to Me
- What is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?
- What usually becomes the obsession of BDDs?
- What causes BDD?
- What are the symptoms of BDD?
- How do you deal with body dysmorphic disorder?
Medical Video: I Drank a Glass of Wine Every Day, See What Happened to Me
We all must have something we don't like about our appearance - a snub nose, dark skin, or eyes that are too small. Usually this complaint is only of a nature too late because we realize it is only part of our imperfection as humans. But it's another story for some people who feel dissatisfied so they are very obsessed with their "disability". It is important for them to desperately try to have an ideal body shape so that they can be accepted by society. If you are like this, it might be a sign that you have symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder.
What is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is one type mental disorders which is associated with a strong obsession with negative body image. BDD is characterized by incessant thinking and worrying about 'physical defects' and appearance of the body, or focusing very much attention on the shortcomings of certain bodies
In fact, perceived / imagined "defects" may only be in the form of minimal imperfections, for example slanted eyes or short postures, or even none at all - feeling fat / bad even though they are not. For other people who see it, that is not a problem. But for them, the "disability" was considered very large and disturbing, causing severe emotional stress and lowering self-confidence to an inferior level.
BDD sufferers can do certain types of obsessive-compulsive behavior (not repetitive without realizing it) to try to hide or disguise their deficiencies even though this behavior usually only provides a temporary solution, for example: camouflage makeup, dress size, hairstyle, continuous reflection or avoiding it at all, scratching the skin, and so on. Some people with BDD might think of plastic surgery to improve their appearance.
It needs to be distinguished by how normal people care for their bodies. Regular body care is natural and beneficial. But this obsession makes it difficult for people with BDD to focus on anything but their imperfection. Someone who has BDD will be very embarrassed, stressed, and anxious when meeting many people. Even people with severe BDD can justify any means not to leave their homes because they are afraid that other people will judge their appearance badly.
BDD most often occurs in adolescents and adults, and research shows that this affects men and women almost as much. Usually, symptoms of BDD begin to appear in adolescence or early adulthood.
What usually becomes the obsession of BDDs?
People with body dysmorphic disorder are usually very very obsessed with their physical deficiencies, which are not in accordance with their own expectations, which according to him are also not in accordance with the ideal "standards" of the body in society. For example:
- Skin: like wrinkles, scars, pimples and black spots. BDD people are obsessed with having beautiful and smooth skin. Slight cuts or pimples that damage the appearance of the skin can make people with BDD panic.
- Hair, including head hair or hair on body parts. They may want to have beautiful and healthy head hair, and not want to have hair on certain body parts, such as the armpits and genitals.
- Facial features: like to have a sharp nose, long chin, thin cheeks, thicker lips, and more.
- Weight: people with BDD are usually obsessed with having an ideal body weight or having muscular strength.
- Other body parts: like breasts and buttocks that want to look fuller, penis that wants bigger, and others.
What causes BDD?
The cause of BDD is unknown. But certain biological and environmental factors can contribute to its development, including genetic predispositions, neurobiological factors such as impaired serotonin function in the brain, personality traits, social media influences and family to friends, and cultural and life experiences.
Traumatic experiences or emotional conflicts during childhood and low levels of confidence can also increase your risk of experiencing BDD. Therefore, an important level of confidence is instilled early.
What are the symptoms of BDD?
BDD can affect everyday life, including work, social life, and relationships. This is because people with BDD have a distorted view of themselves and only focus their attention on their own shortcomings, so they cannot pay attention to their surroundings.
Therefore, the symptoms of BDD are important to know so that their development can be stopped early. Some of the initial signs someone might have of BDD are:
- Likes to compare his appearance with others.
- Likes to behave over and over and take time, such as mirroring or trying to hide or cover up defects in the skin.
- Always ask the surrounding people that the defects in their appearance are visible or not.
- Repeatedly pay attention or touch the perceived defect.
- Feeling anxious or don't want to be around people.
- Dieting and / or excessive exercise.
- Repeatedly consult with medical specialists, such as plastic surgeons or dermatologists, to improve their appearance.
Dissatisfaction with body shape may trigger people with BDD for extreme diets that trigger anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders. Some people with BDD can think of suicide or attempt suicide because they feel they have a dream body shape due to their "defective body".
How do you deal with body dysmorphic disorder?
Body dysmorphic disorder is often not recognized by the body's body so they avoid talking about symptoms. But it is important to immediately consult a doctor as soon as you are aware of the initial symptoms.
Your doctor can diagnose you from a medical history and physical examination or refer to an expert (psychiatrist, psychologist) for a better assessment. Cognitive behavioral therapy along with medications is quite effective and is most often used as a BDD treatment plan.
