Body Dysmorphic Disorder

People with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are overly concerned about their appearance. They may appear normal to others or to have a minor defect that they greatly exaggerate in importance. As with other disorders, their preoccupation with the real or imagined defect must be the primary symptom, rather than a secondary effect of another disorder, depression for example. It appears that depression is more likely to be a consequence than a cause of BDD. The preoccupation must produce significant distress or dysfunction, as with other diagnoses; people with BDD may spend hours in front of a mirror each day, trying to correct or disguise the defect. On the other hand, they may avoid mirrors altogether, or they may seek the services of a plastic surgeon to remedy the defect. Some specialists consider BDD to be a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, since the person with BDD engages in rituals to reduce the anxiety associated with her or his perception of his or her appearance. Women suffer BDD more than men, but, surprisingly, the ratio is only 1.3 to 1, according to Maxem and Ward¹

A combination of antianxiety medication and  antidepressants is sometimes helpful with BDD, and behavior therapy also works. Plastic surgery may also help, but the patient often finds something wrong with the surgery or finds another problem that needs to be fixed. There is no sure cure for BDD, but, as is the case with many disorders, seeking help from a mental health professional is a good bet.

If you or someone you love experiences enough of these symptoms to feel upset about it, you need to consult a mental health professional (clinician, therapist). A mental health professional  will conduct a thorough evaluation  to first understand what is happening and then will discuss treatment options, including medications.

There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals  to deal with the disorder better. 

Read a book on the subject:

The Broken Mirror : Understanding and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder by Katharine A. Phillips


Click here for a web site with more information on BDD.

                                                                                                                                Last updated  12/19/03