Body dysmorphic disorder, excessive obsession with having an ideal body

We all have something to dislike about our appearance - a snub nose, dark skin, or eyes that are too small. Usually this complaint is only in nature overuse because we realize it is just a part of our imperfection as humans. But it is a different story for some people who feel dissatisfied and so obsessed with their "handicap" body. It is important for them to try desperately to have an ideal body shape so that they can be accepted by society. If you are like this, it may 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 associated with a strong obsession with negative body image. BDD is characterized by constantly thinking and worrying about physical 'defects' and bodily appearance, or focusing excessively on certain bodily deficiencies.

In reality, the perceived / imagined “defect” may be just a few imperfections, for example narrow eyes or short posture, or even none at all - feeling fat / ugly even though it is not. For other people who saw it, it was not a problem. But for them, the "handicap" was judged to be so large and disturbing that it caused severe emotional stress and reduced self-esteem to low levels of self-esteem.

BDD sufferers can engage in several types of obsessive-compulsive behavior (unconscious repetitive actions) to try to hide or disguise their shortcomings even though these behaviors usually only provide temporary solutions, for example: camouflage, make-up, dress size, hairstyle, constantly looking in the mirror or avoiding it. at all, scratching the skin, and so on. Some people with BDD may think of having plastic surgery to improve their appearance.

It is necessary to distinguish from how normal people care for their bodies. Routine body care is normal and beneficial. But this obsession makes it hard for people with BDD to focus on anything but their imperfections. A person who has BDD will be very embarrassed, stressed, and anxious if he meets many people. Even people with severe BDD can justify any means not to leave their home because they are afraid that others will judge their appearance badly.

BDD occurs most frequently in adolescents and adults, and research shows that it affects men and women almost equally. Usually, BDD symptoms begin to appear in adolescence or early adulthood.

What are BDDs usually obsessed with?

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 them are also not in accordance with the "standards" of the ideal body in society. For example:

• Skin: such as skin wrinkles, scars, pimples, and black spots. BDD people are obsessed with having beautiful, flawless skin. A small cut or pimple that ruins the appearance of their skin can make people with BDD panic.
• Hair, including head hair or body hair. They may want to have beautiful and healthy flowing head hair, and may not want to have hair on certain body parts, such as the armpits and genitals.
• Facial features: such as wanting to have a sharp nose, long chin, thin cheeks, thicker lips, and others.
• Weight: people with BDD are usually obsessed with having an ideal body weight or having muscular muscles.
• Other body parts: such as breasts and buttocks that want to look fuller, a penis that wants to be bigger, and so on.

What causes BDD?

The cause of BDD is not known for sure. But certain biological and environmental factors can contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, neurobiological factors such as impaired serotonin function in the brain, personality traits, social media influences and family to friends, and culture and life experiences.

Traumatic experiences or emotional conflicts during childhood and low levels of self-esteem can also increase your risk of developing BDD. Therefore, it is important to instill a level of self-confidence from an early age.

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, thus paying less attention to their surroundings.

Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms of BDD so that its development can be stopped early. Some of the earliest signs a person may have BDD are:

• Likes to compare his appearance with others.
• Likes to behave in a repetitive and time-consuming manner, such as looking in the mirror or trying to hide or cover up blemishes in the skin.
• Always ask the people around him whether the defects in his appearance are visible or not.
• Repeatedly noticing or touching a perceived defect.
• Feeling anxious or not wanting to be around a crowd.
• Excessive diet and / or exercise.
• Repeatedly consult with medical specialists, such as plastic surgeons or dermatologists, to improve their appearance.

Dissatisfaction with their body shape may lead people with BDD to go on extreme diets, leading to anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders. Some people with BDD may have suicidal thoughts or commit suicide attempts because they feel they have failed to have their ideal body shape because of their "handicapped body."

How to deal with body dysmorphic disorder?

Body dysmorphic disorder is often not recognized by the body owner so they avoid talking about the symptoms. But it is important to consult a doctor as soon as you notice the initial symptoms.

Your doctor can diagnose you from your medical history and physical examination or refer a specialist (psychiatrist, psychologist) for a better assessment. Cognitive behavioral therapy along with medication is quite effective and is the most commonly used treatment plan for BDD.