Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment
The Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by disturbing mental illness where the person spends endless hours simply fretting and worrying about the imperfections. However, these flaws and defects are often not noticeable to people with whom they are interacting. This obsessive focus on a perceived defect in physical appearance can also begin in childhood. With the passage of time it becomes more pronounced, especially during adolescence and later manifests strongly as they grow older.
Typical behavior of individuals suffering from Body dysmorphic disorder
Generally, individuals suffering from Body dysmorphia considertheir appearance to be unattractive and repelling. Body dysmorphia causes excessive distress and may also interfere with the academic development, social interactions, personal relationships and even in their work life. The person spends a lot of time and energy ruminating, and scrutinizing masking, avoiding as well as trying to enhance their physical appearance. The person suffering from body dysmorphia may recurrently examine his appearance in the mirror, constantly comparing his appearance with that of others and avoid social situations or photos. At times, the intensity of this preoccupation increases and decreases without any warning. At other times they may find obsession to shift from one part of the body to another. This aggravates the stress levels and causes more confusion. Few obsessions include acne, wrinkles, moles, scars, complexion, thin hair, facial hair or facial asymmetry etc..
Few symptoms
- Repetitive checking of the "defective" part in the mirrors for reassurance and attempting to correct the perceived imperfection
- Extreme grooming
- Covering up the "defective" part using makeup, or hair products, or clothing
- Isolating self from the others for fear that others will see the "defects"
- Skin picking
- Feeling of shame
- Loneliness
- Frequent weighing
- Persistent comparison between self and physical appearance of people around
- Exercising excessively
The experienced therapists focusing on the Body dysmorphic disorder even do not clearly understand what factors triggers the onset of BDD. In fact there are multiple reasons which precipitate this obsession such as, environmental factors, hereditary factor etc. These factors are likely to influence the symptoms. BDD is believed to occur in both men and women
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy is an important component of Body dysmorphic disorder treatment. Research studies reveal that cognitive behavior therapy is the ideal way which can be employed so as to improve the perception of an overall body image. This helps in reducing obsessions, and minimizing repetitive behavioral patterns. This also aids in reducing overall distress associated with body dysmorphia. Clinical trials reveal that medication in combination with cognitive behavior therapy proves to be very effective.
Skilled psychiatrists consider counseling and antidepressant as an effective treatment and prevention of this severe psychiatric disorder. It is important to provide the person with an understanding and supporting environment. This also helps in decreasing the intensity of the symptoms and thus the person is able to better cope with the disorder.