What Is It Like To Experience Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which a person fixates on a flaw (or flaws) in their appearance and perceives it as a major imperfection. Imagine the minor stress of a bad hair day or an unexpected blemish before an event—BDD creates similar stress but amplified, and it does not just go away. BDD may lead to a fixation on facial features, hair, skin, chest, or stomach. The mental health condition not only affects how you see yourself in the mirror but also has an impact on your daily life and overall mental health.

Symptoms of BDD may include constantly checking your appearance in the mirror, avoiding mirrors altogether, or trying to cover up what you see as imperfections with makeup or clothes. Someone with BDD may put in extra hours at the gym or constantly compare their appearance to others. Read on to discover more about BDD symptoms and potential ways to find support.

What is body dysmorphic disorder?

BDD is a mental health condition that affects a person's perception of their physical appearance. Those with BDD often focus on one or more perceived flaws in their appearance, even if these flaws are minor or unnoticeable to others. This stress may affect daily functioning and overall quality of life, as people with this condition may constantly obsess about their appearance and perform repetitive behaviors to fix or hide their perceived flaws.

What causes body dysmorphic disorder? The answer is not completely clear, but it may have to do with a combination of risk factors. You might be more likely to have BDD if other people in your family have mental health conditions. Also, if you have had difficult experiences, like bullying or abuse, you may be at higher risk. In addition, the pressure from society or social media to look a certain way could also play a part.

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Many people living with BDD tend to hide their disorder and prefer not to talk about what they are experiencing. They might be apprehensive talking about how they perceive their looks, or they might not realize their thoughts are not based in reality. If a mental healthcare provider thinks someone is living with BDD, they might ask about the person's symptoms and medical history. After a diagnosis, treatment is available to help manage the symptoms of BDD or other related disorders. 

Recognizing body dysmorphic disorder symptoms

Some common symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include:

• Extreme worry about a perceived flaw in appearance

• Strong belief in having a defect that makes one ugly or deformed

• Belief that others notice one's appearance or mock them

• Compulsive grooming behaviors, such as hair-plucking or skin picking

• Repeatedly seeking reassurance about physical appearance

• Avoiding social situations due to insecurity about appearance

The effects of body dysmorphic disorder symptoms on daily life

Living with BDD can greatly affect a person's daily life. They might feel extreme anxiety and avoid hanging out with friends or going to events because they are worried about their appearance. BDD might also make it difficult for an individual to focus on school or work because they are thinking about how they look. This excessive worry about looks may consume the time and mental energy that could otherwise be used for work or school-related activities.

For example, a young woman with BDD might refuse to attend her sister's wedding because she fears that everyone will be looking at and judging her nose, which she believes is deformed. Even though her nose looks normal to everyone else, she might be so convinced it's a problem that she misses out on a big family event. As a result, she might also experience strain in her relationships with family and friends.

Managing other conditions with  BDD

People with BDD may face additional challenges due to co-existing mental health disorders or comorbidities. In many cases, people with BDD may also have depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. When someone has BDD and another mental health condition, it can make everyday things, like spending time with friends or going to work, difficult.

For example, someone managing an eating disorder and BDD might focus not only on their appearance but also on their weight and what they eat. They might then experience a spiral of negative self-image and harmful behaviors. Understanding these different conditions and working with mental health professionals may help people identify ways to manage the challenges they face.

Family and friends can be a helpful part of living with BDD and other mental health conditions. In fact, studies have shown that perceived social support from significant others and family is associated with less severe body dysmorphia symptoms. Talking openly about what you are experiencing can help you feel safe, understood, and able to find the right resources.

Finding treatment and support

If you are concerned you are living with symptoms of BDD, talking to a professional who can help is an appropriate next step. Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication could make a difference and provide you with the therapeutic support you need. Read further to get a general idea about what these treatments might include and why it may be beneficial to get support from others.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is a common psychotherapy option for treating BDD. This therapy focuses on helping individuals understand how negative thoughts, emotional reactions, and behaviors can create challenges over time. By working closely with a mental health professional, you might learn how to shift your focus and practice self-love and kindness when you think about how you look or see yourself in the mirror. CBT may help you feel better about yourself, worry less about how you think others see you, and improve your relationships.

Medication options

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that can be a medication option for treating BDD. SSRIs work by balancing levels of a chemical in your brain called serotonin, which may contribute to improved mood and reduced anxiety. However, medication should be prescribed and closely monitored by a mental health professional to ensure the appropriate dosages and track potential side effects.

Building a support system

Along with therapy and medication, meeting with other people who are also living with BDD can provide mutual support and understanding. You might consider joining a support group where you can talk about your experiences and learn from others. You may also want to let your friends and family know what you are going through so they can provide love and support.

Living with the complexities of body dysmorphic disorder may seem overwhelming, but there are mental health professionals trained in providing the treatment you need. With therapy, you can develop strategies that may help improve symptoms and help you to start feeling better about yourself and your life.

Therapy options for those with BDD

Online therapy can be a beneficial option for people who need help with mental health challenges, including those living with BDD. Research has revealed its potential benefits for those experiencing BDD and other mental health conditions, especially considering the improved convenience that accompanies online therapy.

One of the main benefits of online therapy is its availability, allowing individuals to receive help from the comfort of their homes. This may be beneficial for those who might feel self-conscious about attending in-person therapy sessions due to their body image concerns or social anxiety. Online therapy also provides increased flexibility, with clients able to schedule sessions at their convenience.

A study on the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for BDD and OCD has shown promising results in clinical settings. ICBT may help patients reduce negative thoughts, manage compulsions, and address the core symptoms of BDD, such as distorted self-image and obsessive behaviors.

An online therapy platform like BetterHelp may be useful in connecting individuals with licensed therapists who have expertise in BDD treatment. These therapists offer personalized care and support tailored to a person’s needs and circumstances. BetterHelp may allow clients to have a safe space to explore and discuss their experience with body dysmorphic disorder, potentially leading to improved mental health and overall quality of life.