Mental health problems are real but talking about them is taboo. However, things are slowly changing and people are becoming more aware of certain mental problems. The one mental problem that is less talked about and known about is body dysmorphic disorder. It is a disorder which is related to the unsatisfactory appearance of the body. This can create hindrance in the ability to live normally. 

No wonder it is common to feel the flaws in appearances but having BBD can be very overwhelming. This can cause severe negative thoughts which can be hard to deal with and control. If this issue persists for a long duration, it can turn into suicidal thoughts. Thus, complete details about BDD is essential. 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: The Causes of it

There are certain causes behind body dysmorphic disorder. The combination of different factors like environmental, psychological, and most of the times biological. However, constant bullying and teasing can lead to a buildup of certain feelings. Further, it can result in inadequacy, shame, as well as a ridicule feeling. Overall, there are no certain causes behind body dysmorphic disorder. 

Are There Any Risk Factors Involved With Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

The real reason behind BDD is unknown. This disorder can begin during the early years of adolescence or the years of teenage. However, according to experts, hundreds of people are going through BDD and both men and women face it equally. However, here are some factors that can lead to BDD, such as:

• Personality type 
• Certain life experiences 
• Uncertain levels of brain chemicals 
• A family history

The Common Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Being obsessed with a specific body part is normal. The most common areas with which you can be obsessed can be chest, stomach, face, and much more. 

However, the common symptoms of BDD are:

• Checking yourself back to back in the mirror.
• There can be situations where you completely avoid mirrors. 
• An urge to work out or groom yourself constantly. 
• Always ask others about your looks. 
• There can be a situation where you hide some of your body parts with a hat, scarf, etc. 
• Not believing what people say about your looks.
• Avoid going to social gatherings or doing any social activities. 
• Constantly comparing yourself with other people. 
• Avoid going out of the house. 
• Having a lot of plastic surgeries. 
• Having a feeling of anxiety, depression, or feeling ashamed. 
• Having a lot of suicidal thoughts
• Picking the skin with fingers or other tools. 

How to Diagnose Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

There are certain ways to diagnose body dysmorphic disorder. Here is why you should diagnose BDD such as: 

• When you are abnormally concerned about your minor or non-existing body flaws. 
• Having severe body flaws and facing serious problems living a normal life.. 
• There are other mental health disorders that get ruled out due to the existing symptoms. 

How To Treat Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

The body dysmorphic disorder treatment is based on certain factors, such as:

• The high extent of the issue. 
• The age of a person. 
• The medical situation and overall health.
• The tolerance capacity to certain medications, procedures, and suggested therapies. 
• The course expectations. 
• Personal opinions and preferences. 
• The opinions of the doctors that are related to the treatment. 

The BDD treatment can even involve talk therapy and certain medications. There can be a combination of treatments that can help show some improvements. The best talk therapy that can be opted by a patient is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. During this therapy, a mental health professional will help in getting rid of the negative thoughts or any certain patterns that can worsen your situation. Also, antidepressant medicines are suggested by professionals to combat the issue of BDD. 

How To Prevent Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

The best solution to prevent body dysmorphic disorder is by catching it early. This is because BDD can get pretty bad with increasing age. Also, getting plastic surgery can hardly help in any way. Also, if you are a parent of a child having troubling thoughts about appearance and asking for reassurance, then having professional advice is always necessary. Having a mental health professional by your side can help with BDD prevention. 

Tips When Visiting A Mental Health Care Provider?

• Before a visit, know the reason and your expectations. 
• Try to write some questions that matter to you. 
• Ensure to bring someone along and keep in mind the suggestions of the doctor. 
• Jot down the new diagnosis, medicines, tests, etc. suggested to you. 
• Get the follow-up appointment. 

Conclusion

Body dysmorphic disorder is a serious situation and should not be neglected at any point. The above-mentioned information about this disorder will help you understand in what direction you need to move. Also, getting medical help at the earliest can be beneficial. Manas Hospital provides all the solutions to BDD which can help you recover from it. Ensure that you are open with the mental health professional of Manas Hospital. With our mental professionals, you can ditch BDD.