Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Body dysmorphic disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

  Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others. […] When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely focus on your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. Your perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviors cause you significant distress and impact your ability to function in your daily life. […] Signs and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include: Being extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that to others can’t be seen or appears minor. […] Preoccupation with your appearance and excessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors can be unwanted, difficult to control and so time-consuming that they can cause major distress or problems in your social life, work, school or other areas of functioning.

• #2 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to view your own physical appearance unfairly. The thoughts and feelings related to your appearance can consume you and affect your thoughts and actions. Eventually, BDD can negatively impact your quality of life and how you feel about yourself. […] BDD affects how you see yourself and feel about your appearance, and its symptoms can take many forms. Some of the most common include (but aren’t limited to): Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about at least one thing about your body you think is a flaw or defect, even though others say it isn’t significant or don’t notice it. This can also cause you to compare your appearance to how other people look. […] BDD’s effects tend to be mild at first and worsen over time. The negative thoughts and feelings about your body will influence your thought processes and behaviors. As they become more intense, you’re more likely to feel more and more distressed about your appearance. They may also start to affect or change your life, making it difficult to study, work or spend time with others socially.

• #3 Signs & Symptoms of BDD – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/signs-symptoms/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) consists of preoccupation with perceived flaws in one’s physical appearance that to other people actually look non-existent or only slight. To be diagnosed as BDD, the appearance preoccupations must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning. In addition, at some point during the course of the disorder, the person has performed excessive repetitive behaviors, such as comparing with others, mirror checking, skin picking, or excessive grooming. […] People with BDD intensely dislike one or more aspects of their physical appearance, believing that these body areas look ugly, abnormal, deformed, or disfigured. Nearly all people with BDD spend at least an hour a day in total thinking about the disliked body part/area. The average is 3 hours to 8 hours a day. Some people find that BDD preoccupations consume their entire day. The appearance preoccupations are usually difficult to resist or control, and they cause significant distress.

• #4 Body Dysmorphic Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555901/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition defined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) as a preoccupation with a perceived defect or flaw in ones physical appearance when, in fact, they appear normal. Often underrecognized, BDD is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by an all-consuming focus on perceived physical imperfections, leading to distressing repetitive actions and, at times, suicidal behavior and ideation. Individuals with BDD often seek unnecessary surgical interventions. […] Symptoms cause marked impairment in social, academic, occupational, or other areas of functioning. To meet diagnostic criteria, patients must engage in repetitive behaviors, such as excessive mirror checking, camouflaging (ie, covering up the defect with makeup or clothing), skin picking, excessive grooming, excessive weight lifting, or pervasive mental acts such as comparing ones appearance to others. These behaviors are time-consuming, difficult to control, and distressing to the individual.

• #5 Body Dysmorphic Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555901/

  Patients with BDD have thoughts focused on personal or physical defects that are either very minor or do not exist. These pervasive thoughts are challenging to control and consume an average of 3 to 8 hours daily. Some patients are excessively preoccupied with a single body area. In contrast, others develop preoccupations with multiple body areas, averaging between 5 to 7 different areas of concern. […] An all-consuming belief that one appears ugly, deformed, or defective causes emotional turmoil. Repetitive behaviors, or compulsions and rituals, attempt to relieve the psychological stress related to the pervasive thoughts. All patients with BDD display repetitive behaviors at some time during their illness. Common rituals include hiding, camouflaging, mirror checking, excessive grooming, clothes changing, excessive exercise, inspecting, and obtaining reassurance about the concerning body part.

• #6 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to view your own physical appearance unfairly. The thoughts and feelings related to your appearance can consume you and affect your thoughts and actions. Eventually, BDD can negatively impact your quality of life and how you feel about yourself. […] BDD affects how you see yourself and feel about your appearance, and its symptoms can take many forms. Some of the most common include (but aren’t limited to): Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about at least one thing about your body you think is a flaw or defect, even though others say it isn’t significant or don’t notice it. This can also cause you to compare your appearance to how other people look. […] BDD’s effects tend to be mild at first and worsen over time. The negative thoughts and feelings about your body will influence your thought processes and behaviors. As they become more intense, you’re more likely to feel more and more distressed about your appearance. They may also start to affect or change your life, making it difficult to study, work or spend time with others socially.

• #7 What does it mean to have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

  https://anxietyinathletes.org/athletes/i-want-to-learn/bdd/

  Your preoccupation with the perceived appearance flaws causes significant emotional distress. […] At some point, you have performed repetitive behaviors in response to the appearance concerns. […] People with BDD can excessively worry about any body part, but the ones they report most often are related to the head or face: Hair, Nose, Skin, Eyes, Chin, Jaw, Neck, Face size or shape. […] On average, people with BDD are concerned with a total of 57 different body parts in the past or currently. […] There are both therapy- and medication-based treatment options to help those with BDD. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve BDD symptoms in a majority of people, both in individual therapy and group therapy. […] SRIs are the first-line medication treatment for BDD. These medications significantly improve BDD in a majority of people.

• #8 Body Dysmorphic Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555901/

  Patients with BDD have thoughts focused on personal or physical defects that are either very minor or do not exist. These pervasive thoughts are challenging to control and consume an average of 3 to 8 hours daily. Some patients are excessively preoccupied with a single body area. In contrast, others develop preoccupations with multiple body areas, averaging between 5 to 7 different areas of concern. […] An all-consuming belief that one appears ugly, deformed, or defective causes emotional turmoil. Repetitive behaviors, or compulsions and rituals, attempt to relieve the psychological stress related to the pervasive thoughts. All patients with BDD display repetitive behaviors at some time during their illness. Common rituals include hiding, camouflaging, mirror checking, excessive grooming, clothes changing, excessive exercise, inspecting, and obtaining reassurance about the concerning body part.

• #9 What does it mean to have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

  https://anxietyinathletes.org/athletes/i-want-to-learn/bdd/

  Your preoccupation with the perceived appearance flaws causes significant emotional distress. […] At some point, you have performed repetitive behaviors in response to the appearance concerns. […] People with BDD can excessively worry about any body part, but the ones they report most often are related to the head or face: Hair, Nose, Skin, Eyes, Chin, Jaw, Neck, Face size or shape. […] On average, people with BDD are concerned with a total of 57 different body parts in the past or currently. […] There are both therapy- and medication-based treatment options to help those with BDD. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve BDD symptoms in a majority of people, both in individual therapy and group therapy. […] SRIs are the first-line medication treatment for BDD. These medications significantly improve BDD in a majority of people.

• #10 Body dysmorphic disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

  You may excessively focus over one or more parts of your body. The bodily feature that you focus on may change over time. […] A preoccupation with your body build being too small or not muscular enough (muscle dysmorphia) occurs almost exclusively in males. […] Body dysmorphic disorder usually doesn’t get better on its own. If left untreated, it may get worse over time, leading to anxiety, extensive medical bills, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• #11 Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment & More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD are most commonly worried about the most visible part of their body, like their face, hair, and skin. […] Muscle dysmorphia is a subcategory of BDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). This is where a person is preoccupied with the idea that their body is too small or not muscular enough. […] About 1.7 to 2.4 percent of people in the United States are living with BDD. It develops most often during adolescence. […] According to research, symptoms of BDD are also significantly higher in people with eating disorders. […] To be diagnosed with BDD, you must present the following symptoms: a preoccupation with a flaw in your physical appearance, repetitive behaviors, like skin picking, repeatedly changing your clothes, or looking in the mirror, significant distress or a disruption in your ability to function because of your obsession with the flaw, the BDD preoccupation is not the direct result of an eating disorder, but a person may have both.

• #12 Body Dysmorphic Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555901/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric condition defined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) as a preoccupation with a perceived defect or flaw in ones physical appearance when, in fact, they appear normal. Often underrecognized, BDD is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by an all-consuming focus on perceived physical imperfections, leading to distressing repetitive actions and, at times, suicidal behavior and ideation. Individuals with BDD often seek unnecessary surgical interventions. […] Symptoms cause marked impairment in social, academic, occupational, or other areas of functioning. To meet diagnostic criteria, patients must engage in repetitive behaviors, such as excessive mirror checking, camouflaging (ie, covering up the defect with makeup or clothing), skin picking, excessive grooming, excessive weight lifting, or pervasive mental acts such as comparing ones appearance to others. These behaviors are time-consuming, difficult to control, and distressing to the individual.

• #13 Signs & Symptoms of BDD – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/signs-symptoms/

  BDD preoccupations fuel repetitive compulsive behaviors that are intended to fix, hide, inspect, or obtain reassurance about the disliked body parts. On average, these behaviors consume from 3 – 8 hours a day. They are usually difficult to control or stop. These behaviors may be clues that a person has BDD. […] Most people with BDD are mostly or completely convinced that they look ugly or abnormal, even though other people don’t see them this way. In reality, the perceived defects are actually non-existent or slight. In other words, insight regarding the perceived appearance defects is usually absent (i.e., delusional beliefs) or poor. […] Many individuals with BDD report intense feelings of shame and low self-esteem. A deep sense of self-loathing may result in the belief that they are fundamentally inadequate, unacceptable to others, or unlovable, or that they will always be alone because of how they look. Emotions that are common in people with BDD include depression, anxiety, self-consciousness, guilt, frustration, anger, disgust, embarrassment, and grief.

• #14 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  BDD can cause extreme emotional distress, including feeling of anxiety, shame, depression and disgust. Even if sufferers’ concerns about their appearance aren’t noticeable to others, their distress is very real. […] The majority of people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) worry about lots of aspects of their appearance, and it can be extremely distressing. […] Avoidance – Due to heightened self-consciousness and anxiety about their appearance, individuals with BDD may start avoiding social situations altogether. This avoidance is often driven by the fear of being negatively judged or perceived as flawed by others. It can lead to social isolation, withdrawal, and a decline in quality of life. Individuals may also avoid mirrors and anything that could be considered a reflective surface.

• #15 Signs and Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder – Center For Discovery

  https://centerfordiscovery.com/blog/body-dysmorphic-disorder/

  Individuals with BDD are likely to exhibit one or many of the following behaviors or compulsions: Repetitive checking of a real or imagined flaw in the mirror, Avoidance of mirrors, Avoidance of having your picture taken, Repetitive grooming activities (combing hair, shaving), Repetitive touching, checking or measuring perceived flaw (minor or imagined), Wearing excessive makeup or growing a beard to cover up perceived defect (minor or imagined), Wearing certain types of clothing (e.g., hats, scarves) to cover up perceived flaw (minor or imagined), Making multiple doctor visits, especially to dermatologists, Undergoing various medical procedures (e.g., plastic surgeries) to try to eradicate or minimize the perceived flaw (minor or imagined) – usually resulting in unsatisfactory results, Frequent thoughts about their appearance (hours per day), Repeatedly asking others for their verbal opinion of how you look and not believing them when they say you look great, Compulsive skin picking, using fingernails or tweezers to remove unwanted hair or blemishes, Leaving the house less often or only going out at night to try to camouflage your appearance in the darkness, Keeping obsessions and compulsions secret for fear of social stigma, Emotional problems, including depression, feelings of disgust, low self-esteem and anxiety, Avoidance of social situations, A belief that others take special notice of your perceived flaw in a negative way, Excessive exercise, Changing clothes frequently and excessively.

• #16 Body dysmorphic disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

  Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance a flaw that appears minor or can’t be seen by others. […] When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you intensely focus on your appearance and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming or seeking reassurance, sometimes for many hours each day. Your perceived flaw and the repetitive behaviors cause you significant distress and impact your ability to function in your daily life. […] Signs and symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include: Being extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that to others can’t be seen or appears minor. […] Preoccupation with your appearance and excessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors can be unwanted, difficult to control and so time-consuming that they can cause major distress or problems in your social life, work, school or other areas of functioning.

• #17 Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. […] You might have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) if you: worry a lot about a specific area of your body (particularly your face), spend a lot of time comparing your looks with other people’s, look at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether, go to a lot of effort to conceal flaws for example, by spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes, pick at your skin to make it „smooth.” […] BDD can seriously affect your daily life, including your work, social life and relationships. […] BDD can also lead to depression, self-harm and even thoughts of suicide.

• #18 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common and disabling psychiatric disorder characterised by excessive and persistent preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one’s appearance, which are unnoticeable to others, and associated repetitive behaviours (eg, mirror checking). […] The disorder generally starts in adolescence, but often goes unnoticed and is severely underdiagnosed. Left untreated, BDD typically persists and causes marked functional impairment in multiple domains. […] BDD typically follows a chronic course and is associated with marked functional impairment across multiple domains. Among adults, BDD results in high rates of occupational impairment, unemployment, social dysfunction and social isolation. […] Similarly, BDD in youth is associated with major functional impairment, including reduced academic performance, social withdrawal and dropping out of school.

• #19 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  BDD can cause extreme emotional distress, including feeling of anxiety, shame, depression and disgust. Even if sufferers’ concerns about their appearance aren’t noticeable to others, their distress is very real. […] The majority of people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) worry about lots of aspects of their appearance, and it can be extremely distressing. […] Avoidance – Due to heightened self-consciousness and anxiety about their appearance, individuals with BDD may start avoiding social situations altogether. This avoidance is often driven by the fear of being negatively judged or perceived as flawed by others. It can lead to social isolation, withdrawal, and a decline in quality of life. Individuals may also avoid mirrors and anything that could be considered a reflective surface.

• #20 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  If you are struggling with BDD, you may be finding it more difficult to be around others, maybe because you want to hide your physical appearance from them. […] At its worst, BDD may stop people from leaving their home or bedroom entirely. […] When BDD leads to dangerous behaviours, such as self-harm, not eating or not being able to leave the house, family members can become really worried and feel helpless to make things better for their loved one. […] BDD at its worst can make regular employment, education or family life impossible. […] Those in regular employment or who have family responsibilities would almost certainly find life more productive and satisfying if they did not have the symptoms of BDD.

• #21 Recognizing Body Dysmorphic Disorder – National Alliance for Eating Disorders

  https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/recognizing-body-dysmorphic-disorder/

  The preoccupation with appearance and fear of being seen in public can lead to avoidance of social situations, such as going to work or school, going out with friends, or attending social events. […] BDD can interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life, affecting their work or school performance, relationships, and self-esteem. It can also lead to other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

• #22 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common and disabling psychiatric disorder characterised by excessive and persistent preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one’s appearance, which are unnoticeable to others, and associated repetitive behaviours (eg, mirror checking). […] The disorder generally starts in adolescence, but often goes unnoticed and is severely underdiagnosed. Left untreated, BDD typically persists and causes marked functional impairment in multiple domains. […] BDD typically follows a chronic course and is associated with marked functional impairment across multiple domains. Among adults, BDD results in high rates of occupational impairment, unemployment, social dysfunction and social isolation. […] Similarly, BDD in youth is associated with major functional impairment, including reduced academic performance, social withdrawal and dropping out of school.

• #23 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Youth | Mental Health America

  https://mhanational.org/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd-and-youth

  Symptoms of BDD typically begin during adolescence, most commonly by 12-13 years old. If a child or teen obsesses about their appearance, is overly critical of perceived minor flaws and experiences severe distress as a result, they might be showing signs of body dysmorphic disorder. […] BDD can significantly affect academic performance. Time consuming thoughts about appearance make it difficult to focus on schoolwork, and it can lead to students failing tests and having trouble concentrating in class. […] One study found that 18 percent of students with BDD dropped out of school entirely because their symptoms were so severe. […] While social media may not cause body dysmorphic disorder, it may act as a trigger in those already genetically predisposed to the disorder, or it could worsen existing symptoms. For example, teenagers are particularly prone to developing BDD, and if “ideals” of appearance are presented to them through social media, this can trigger their development of the illness. […] Acting early–before Stage 4–to address BDD will help increase the likelihood of recovery and help young people overcome their distorted self-image.

• #24 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common and disabling psychiatric disorder characterised by excessive and persistent preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one’s appearance, which are unnoticeable to others, and associated repetitive behaviours (eg, mirror checking). […] The disorder generally starts in adolescence, but often goes unnoticed and is severely underdiagnosed. Left untreated, BDD typically persists and causes marked functional impairment in multiple domains. […] BDD typically follows a chronic course and is associated with marked functional impairment across multiple domains. Among adults, BDD results in high rates of occupational impairment, unemployment, social dysfunction and social isolation. […] Similarly, BDD in youth is associated with major functional impairment, including reduced academic performance, social withdrawal and dropping out of school.

• #25 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  If you are struggling with BDD, you may be finding it more difficult to be around others, maybe because you want to hide your physical appearance from them. […] At its worst, BDD may stop people from leaving their home or bedroom entirely. […] When BDD leads to dangerous behaviours, such as self-harm, not eating or not being able to leave the house, family members can become really worried and feel helpless to make things better for their loved one. […] BDD at its worst can make regular employment, education or family life impossible. […] Those in regular employment or who have family responsibilities would almost certainly find life more productive and satisfying if they did not have the symptoms of BDD.

• #26 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  High comorbidity, for example with major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), is frequently reported. […] BDD has also been associated with strikingly high rates of suicidality; reported rates of suicidal ideation range from 17% to 77%, while rates of suicide attempts range from 3% to 63%. […] Despite the seriousness of the disorder, BDD has received little empirical attention to date compared with related conditions, such as OCD. […] A major advance in the field in recent years has been the reclassification of BDD in the diagnostic manuals as well as the refinement of its diagnostic criteria. […] In the current edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), BDD is not an independent diagnostic category, but instead is listed as an inclusion term under hypochondriacal disorder.

• #27

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-024-01256-3

  BDD presents significant challenges in dermatological care, impacting treatment adherence, QOL, and therapeutic outcomes for affected individuals. […] Furthermore, individuals with BDD and dermatological conditions experience diminished QOL and psychological well-being. […] Patients with BDD are ten times more likely to meet criteria for depression and four times more likely to meet criteria for an anxiety disorder. […] The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts in patients with BDD is higher than in those without the disorder; after controlling for sadness and anxiety symptoms, 25% of those patients with BDD attempted suicide compared to 5% of the general population. […] BDD does respond well to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). […] The presence of underlying BDD complicates the assessment and management of dermatological conditions necessitating a comprehensive approach that integrates psychological interventions with dermatological treatments.

• #28 Signs & Symptoms of BDD – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/signs-symptoms/

  BDD preoccupations fuel repetitive compulsive behaviors that are intended to fix, hide, inspect, or obtain reassurance about the disliked body parts. On average, these behaviors consume from 3 – 8 hours a day. They are usually difficult to control or stop. These behaviors may be clues that a person has BDD. […] Most people with BDD are mostly or completely convinced that they look ugly or abnormal, even though other people don’t see them this way. In reality, the perceived defects are actually non-existent or slight. In other words, insight regarding the perceived appearance defects is usually absent (i.e., delusional beliefs) or poor. […] Many individuals with BDD report intense feelings of shame and low self-esteem. A deep sense of self-loathing may result in the belief that they are fundamentally inadequate, unacceptable to others, or unlovable, or that they will always be alone because of how they look. Emotions that are common in people with BDD include depression, anxiety, self-consciousness, guilt, frustration, anger, disgust, embarrassment, and grief.

• #29 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  Preoccupation – Individuals with BDD will have an overwhelming and persistent focus on a perceived flaw/s in their physical appearance. These perceived flaws are typically very minor or of normal variation, but they become the central point of attention, causing intrusive thoughts and significant distress. […] Significant Distress & Functional Impairment – The preoccupation with perceived flaws and the associated behaviours can lead to significant emotional distress, anxiety and impairment in various areas of life, such as work, education, relationships and daily activities. […] If you have BDD, you will probably have noticed a number of changes to your mood. This can include lots of negative emotions, including: anxiety, sadness or low mood, poor self-esteem (thinking that they are useless or worthless), or feeling disgusted about yourself.

• #30 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #31 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  In a recent systematic review, the weighted prevalence of BDD was estimated to be 1.9% in community samples of adults and 5.8% to 7.4% in psychiatric settings, highlighting the importance of clinical vigilance for the disorder. […] BDD has been shown to be more common in older adolescents, consistent with reports that the mean age of onset is around 16 years. […] Despite its prevalence and impact, current evidence suggests that BDD often goes undiagnosed. […] Assessment of BDD should always include consideration of risk. […] In a recent meta-analysis, patients with BDD were found to be more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared with controls, highlighting the importance of assessing suicidality in this population. […] A range of environmental factors have been suggested to influence the development of BDD, including childhood abuse, peer teasing and peer victimisation.

• #32 Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness characterised by constant worrying over a perceived or slight defect in appearance. […] BDD usually starts in the teenage years, when concern over physical appearance is common. […] Symptoms can vary according to which body part (or parts) is targeted, but general symptoms of BDD include: thinking about the perceived defect for hours every day, worrying about their failure to match the physical perfection of models and celebrities, distress about their preoccupation, constantly asking trusted loved ones for reassurance about their looks, but not believing the answer, constantly looking at their reflection or taking pains to avoid catching their reflection, constant dieting and overexercising, grooming to excess for example, shaving the same patch of skin over and over, avoiding any situation they feel will call attention to their defect, taking great pains to hide or camouflage the defect, squeezing or picking at skin blemishes for hours on end, wanting dermatological treatment or cosmetic surgery, even when professionals believe the treatment is unnecessary, repeat cosmetic surgery procedures, especially if the same body part is being improved with each procedure, depression and anxiety, including suicidal thoughts.

• #33 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Body dysmorphia, also called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is a mental health disorder that leads to extreme distress over your appearance. You may think certain parts of your body are defects. Other people may not be able to notice the flaws you perceive, or they see them as minimal. This may cause psychological distress that can interfere with your everyday life. […] Body dysmorphia can affect anyone. It usually begins during the teen years or early adulthood. In the U.S., about 2.4% of adults have BDD, which affects slightly more women and people assigned female at birth than men and people assigned male at birth. […] Some of the warning signs that a person may have body dysmorphia include: Engaging in repetitive and time-consuming behaviors, such as looking in a mirror (or avoiding one), picking at the skin, and trying to hide or cover up the perceived defect.

• #34 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  In a recent systematic review, the weighted prevalence of BDD was estimated to be 1.9% in community samples of adults and 5.8% to 7.4% in psychiatric settings, highlighting the importance of clinical vigilance for the disorder. […] BDD has been shown to be more common in older adolescents, consistent with reports that the mean age of onset is around 16 years. […] Despite its prevalence and impact, current evidence suggests that BDD often goes undiagnosed. […] Assessment of BDD should always include consideration of risk. […] In a recent meta-analysis, patients with BDD were found to be more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared with controls, highlighting the importance of assessing suicidality in this population. […] A range of environmental factors have been suggested to influence the development of BDD, including childhood abuse, peer teasing and peer victimisation.

• #35 Body Dysmorphic Disorder | 5-Minute Clinical Consult

  https://www.unboundmedicine.com/5minute/view/5-Minute-Clinical-Consult/1688453/all/Body_Dysmorphic_Disorder

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an obsessive compulsive and related disorder in which individuals have pervasive and intrusive feelings regarding an imagined or slight flaw in his or her appearance causing impairment in daily functioning. […] Disease onset usually begins during adolescence, with a mean age of onset of 16.4 years. […] There is often a delay in diagnosis of 10 to 15 years or more after the onset of symptoms. […] Onset is usually gradual but can be abrupt.

• #36 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  In a recent systematic review, the weighted prevalence of BDD was estimated to be 1.9% in community samples of adults and 5.8% to 7.4% in psychiatric settings, highlighting the importance of clinical vigilance for the disorder. […] BDD has been shown to be more common in older adolescents, consistent with reports that the mean age of onset is around 16 years. […] Despite its prevalence and impact, current evidence suggests that BDD often goes undiagnosed. […] Assessment of BDD should always include consideration of risk. […] In a recent meta-analysis, patients with BDD were found to be more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared with controls, highlighting the importance of assessing suicidality in this population. […] A range of environmental factors have been suggested to influence the development of BDD, including childhood abuse, peer teasing and peer victimisation.

• #37 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) | Mental Health America

  https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences heightened anxiety about at least one perceived flaw in their physical appearance. This flaw may or may not be observable to others. […] Preoccupations can focus on any part of the body, but the most common areas are the skin, hair, and nose. These concerns are unwanted. They are usually difficult to resist or control, and on average occur three to eight hours per day. BDD affects about 2% of adults. […] Individuals with BDD perform at least one body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) or mental act in response to the preoccupation. […] Individuals with BDD often seek out cosmetic treatments to address their perceived flaws. These treatments can vary from cosmetic surgery to things like skin smoothing treatments, which can be very expensive and rarely improve BDD symptoms. Individuals often report an increase in concerns about their appearance following cosmetic treatment.

• #38 Body dysmorphic disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

  You may excessively focus over one or more parts of your body. The bodily feature that you focus on may change over time. […] A preoccupation with your body build being too small or not muscular enough (muscle dysmorphia) occurs almost exclusively in males. […] Body dysmorphic disorder usually doesn’t get better on its own. If left untreated, it may get worse over time, leading to anxiety, extensive medical bills, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• #39 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #40

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-024-01256-3

  Preoccupations in BDD largely focus on the hair, skin, and nose, though they can be directed towards any part of the body. […] Such preoccupations and compulsive behaviors are intrusive and uncontrollable, leading to functional impairments in social and occupational settings. […] Patients with BDD tend to have poor QOL and high rates of suicidality. […] BDD has a chronic course, with symptoms fluctuating over time and frequently intensifying during times of stress. […] However, most patients with BDD report a longitudinal increase of symptoms rather than a continuous or declination in symptoms. […] The perceived severity of skin lesions is exaggerated by patients with BDD, and preoccupation with skin imperfections is out of proportion with the objective severity of the condition.

• #41

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-024-01256-3

  Preoccupations in BDD largely focus on the hair, skin, and nose, though they can be directed towards any part of the body. […] Such preoccupations and compulsive behaviors are intrusive and uncontrollable, leading to functional impairments in social and occupational settings. […] Patients with BDD tend to have poor QOL and high rates of suicidality. […] BDD has a chronic course, with symptoms fluctuating over time and frequently intensifying during times of stress. […] However, most patients with BDD report a longitudinal increase of symptoms rather than a continuous or declination in symptoms. […] The perceived severity of skin lesions is exaggerated by patients with BDD, and preoccupation with skin imperfections is out of proportion with the objective severity of the condition.

• #42 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #43 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  If you have body dysmorphia and dont get treated, it could get worse and lead to severe depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. […] Body dysmorphia is treatable. Also, if you have a strong support team, you’ll probably be better off in the long run. There’s no cure, but you may be able to find relief and better support yourself. […] If body dysmorphia goes untreated, it can lead to severe depression and even suicidal thoughts. So, if you think you have body dysmorphia, its important to see a doctor.

• #44 Body Dysmorphic Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555901/

  Patients often seek cosmetic surgical solutions for their perceived physical defects. Providing surgical solutions is not effective. The combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective. […] Patients receiving treatment for BDD, including medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, are estimated to have a treatment response between 50% and 80% within 4 to 16 weeks. […] The potential for suicidal thoughts and behavior is high. Suicidal ideation is present in nearly 50% of patients affected by BDD. Suicide attempts are estimated to occur in 1 out of 4 patients with BDD.

• #45 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #46 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #47 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #48 Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/

  The symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can get better with treatment. […] If your symptoms are relatively mild, you should be referred for a type of talking therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which you have either on your own or in a group. […] If you have moderate symptoms, you should be offered either CBT or a type of antidepressant medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). […] If your symptoms are more severe, or other treatments do not work, you should be offered CBT together with an SSRI. […] CBT can help you manage your BDD symptoms by changing the way you think and behave. […] It may take up to 12 weeks for SSRIs to have an effect on your BDD symptoms. […] Children and young people may be offered an SSRI if they’re having severe symptoms of BDD. […] If treatment with both CBT and an SSRI has not improved your BDD symptoms after 12 weeks, you may be prescribed a different type of SSRI or another antidepressant called clomipramine.

• #49 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  In adult populations, six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated CBT to be efficacious in reducing BDD severity compared with no treatment or waitlist control conditions. […] While these outcomes are encouraging, 46% to 60% of BDD trial participants do not respond sufficiently to CBT, and remission rates are low. […] Although CBT is an efficacious treatment for BDD, many patients continue to experience significant symptoms and there is a pressing need to improve existing CBT packages for BDD to enhance outcomes. […] In summary, BDD is a relatively common and potentially debilitating disorder, but research on BDD is still in its infancy compared with other psychiatric disorders.

• #50 Body Dysmorphic Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555901/

  Patients often seek cosmetic surgical solutions for their perceived physical defects. Providing surgical solutions is not effective. The combination of medications and cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective. […] Patients receiving treatment for BDD, including medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both, are estimated to have a treatment response between 50% and 80% within 4 to 16 weeks. […] The potential for suicidal thoughts and behavior is high. Suicidal ideation is present in nearly 50% of patients affected by BDD. Suicide attempts are estimated to occur in 1 out of 4 patients with BDD.

• #51 Body dysmorphic disorder – symptoms, causes and treatment | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Body dysmorphic disorder is difficult to treat without professional help. It doesnt usually get better on its own and can get worse. […] Many people who have the disorder also have or develop depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder or an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa. […] People with body dysmorphic disorder may find it difficult to accept that treatment for their underlying mental health condition is the best pathway, as they may be focussed on cosmetic surgery or skin treatments as a solution for their perceived problem. In reality, these treatments do not solve the persons dissatisfaction and may make the problem worse.

• #52 Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment & More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Studies show approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of people who take an SSRI will experience a 30 percent or greater reduction in BDD symptoms. […] Studies estimate that around 5-15 percent of cosmetic surgery patients meet BDD criteria. But doctors typically dont recommend cosmetic aesthetic surgery for people with BDD. Its unlikely to treat BDD and may even make symptoms worse in some people. […] Research shows that both CBT and pharmacotherapy can help adults manage their BDD, and evidence of their efficacy in younger populations is growing. But many people continue to exhibit BDD symptoms during and after treatment.

• #53 What does it mean to have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

  https://anxietyinathletes.org/athletes/i-want-to-learn/bdd/

  SRI medications are effective for BDD symptoms, and they also improve related symptoms such as depression, lack of insight, struggle functioning, and low quality of life. […] Cosmetic treatments (e.g., cosmetic surgery and/or other cosmetic procedures) rarely improve BDD symptoms, and often make them worse.

• #54 The Neurobiology of Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/neurobiology-of-bdd/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric illness in which people misperceive defects in their appearance, disrupting their ability to function in their daily lives, with disturbing preoccupations, ritualistic behaviors, and emotional distress. […] Although the clinical symptoms of BDD are well-described, little is known about the causes or how the symptoms develop and progress over time. […] Overall, these studies suggest that those with BDD may have multiple domains of memory deficiencies. […] BDD individuals also tend to do poorly in tasks related to decision-making, specifically those involving planning, inhibition, or organization. […] Studies on emotional processing have revealed that individuals with BDD have deficiencies in recognizing facial emotions. […] These studies implicate possible aberrant functioning of brain regions that process facial emotion, and perhaps faces in general given the latter studies’ findings with neutral faces.

• #55 The Neurobiology of Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/neurobiology-of-bdd/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric illness in which people misperceive defects in their appearance, disrupting their ability to function in their daily lives, with disturbing preoccupations, ritualistic behaviors, and emotional distress. […] Although the clinical symptoms of BDD are well-described, little is known about the causes or how the symptoms develop and progress over time. […] Overall, these studies suggest that those with BDD may have multiple domains of memory deficiencies. […] BDD individuals also tend to do poorly in tasks related to decision-making, specifically those involving planning, inhibition, or organization. […] Studies on emotional processing have revealed that individuals with BDD have deficiencies in recognizing facial emotions. […] These studies implicate possible aberrant functioning of brain regions that process facial emotion, and perhaps faces in general given the latter studies’ findings with neutral faces.

• #56 The Neurobiology of Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/neurobiology-of-bdd/

  These studies point to an association between impaired communication between brain regions and BDD symptoms. […] In sum, there is evidence in BDD of abnormal holistic and configural visual processing. […] This might result in poor insight about their illness, and a desire to pursue cosmetic solutions to try to fix (mis)perceived physical appearance problems. […] These neurobiological abnormalities may affect the “core” symptoms of misperception of appearance (visual processing abnormalities) and propensities for engaging in repetitive behaviors (frontostriatal circuits). […] Much future research is necessary to understand what causes BDD and contributes to the development of BDD symptoms (including neurobiological as well as interpersonal, social, cognitive, and behavioral factors) and how those findings can lead to better treatment approaches.

• #57 By the way, doctor: What is body dysmorphic disorder? – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-is-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD often get cosmetic surgery or dermatology treatments in pursuit of fixes for perceived flaws. Sadly, their unrealistic expectations can lead them to feel worse, not better, and the disappointment can be devastating. A group from the University of Pennsylvania reviewed studies linking cosmetic breast augmentation and suicide. The authors noted that among patients with BDD who receive this surgery, more than 90% had similar or worse symptoms of BDD after the procedure. […] Research has shown that the severity of the BDD symptoms correlates to certain patterns of activity in two areas of the brain the visual processing center in the orbitofrontal cortex, and the frontostriatal system, which affects emotional reactions and behaviors. This suggests that people with BDD are processing visual information differently in their brains and may help to explain why their perceptions differ from those of other people.

• #58 The Neurobiology of Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/neurobiology-of-bdd/

  Given the previously uncovered abnormalities in facial emotional recognition, a brain imaging study was conducted to test functional brain connectivity in limbic (emotional processing) systems. […] This suggests that emotional brain systems in those with BDD, compared with healthy controls, may more strongly influence visual systems. […] Thus, overall, there are early indications of possible neurochemical abnormalities in BDD. […] However, few studies have been conducted, and more research is needed to verify what, if any, neurochemical abnormalities are present in BDD and what the findings mean for people with BDD. […] These studies provide evidence of abnormalities in frontostriatal systems in individuals with BDD. […] However, a fourth study did not find brain differences between BDD and control groups.

• #59 By the way, doctor: What is body dysmorphic disorder? – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-is-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD often get cosmetic surgery or dermatology treatments in pursuit of fixes for perceived flaws. Sadly, their unrealistic expectations can lead them to feel worse, not better, and the disappointment can be devastating. A group from the University of Pennsylvania reviewed studies linking cosmetic breast augmentation and suicide. The authors noted that among patients with BDD who receive this surgery, more than 90% had similar or worse symptoms of BDD after the procedure. […] Research has shown that the severity of the BDD symptoms correlates to certain patterns of activity in two areas of the brain the visual processing center in the orbitofrontal cortex, and the frontostriatal system, which affects emotional reactions and behaviors. This suggests that people with BDD are processing visual information differently in their brains and may help to explain why their perceptions differ from those of other people.

• #60 By the way, doctor: What is body dysmorphic disorder? – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-is-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD often get cosmetic surgery or dermatology treatments in pursuit of fixes for perceived flaws. Sadly, their unrealistic expectations can lead them to feel worse, not better, and the disappointment can be devastating. A group from the University of Pennsylvania reviewed studies linking cosmetic breast augmentation and suicide. The authors noted that among patients with BDD who receive this surgery, more than 90% had similar or worse symptoms of BDD after the procedure. […] Research has shown that the severity of the BDD symptoms correlates to certain patterns of activity in two areas of the brain the visual processing center in the orbitofrontal cortex, and the frontostriatal system, which affects emotional reactions and behaviors. This suggests that people with BDD are processing visual information differently in their brains and may help to explain why their perceptions differ from those of other people.

• #61 The Neurobiology of Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/neurobiology-of-bdd/

  Given the previously uncovered abnormalities in facial emotional recognition, a brain imaging study was conducted to test functional brain connectivity in limbic (emotional processing) systems. […] This suggests that emotional brain systems in those with BDD, compared with healthy controls, may more strongly influence visual systems. […] Thus, overall, there are early indications of possible neurochemical abnormalities in BDD. […] However, few studies have been conducted, and more research is needed to verify what, if any, neurochemical abnormalities are present in BDD and what the findings mean for people with BDD. […] These studies provide evidence of abnormalities in frontostriatal systems in individuals with BDD. […] However, a fourth study did not find brain differences between BDD and control groups.

• #62 By the way, doctor: What is body dysmorphic disorder? – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-is-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  The degree of a person’s self-awareness can be elicited through a short questionnaire. Education about the condition can help a person see the value of mental health treatment. A handful of studies have shown that antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) can help, although they seem to be effective only about half the time. Other classes of drugs have not been proved effective for BDD, but theoretically they could be helpful for symptoms that are common in the illness, such as delusions. Psychotherapy is helpful for those with milder (non-delusional) symptoms. Above all, the goal is to help the BDD sufferer turn away from a preoccupation with appearance and engage in treatment for underlying problems. A very difficult task to be sure, but probably the only way to achieve relief.

• #63 The Neurobiology of Body Dysmorphic Disorder – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/neurobiology-of-bdd/

  Given the previously uncovered abnormalities in facial emotional recognition, a brain imaging study was conducted to test functional brain connectivity in limbic (emotional processing) systems. […] This suggests that emotional brain systems in those with BDD, compared with healthy controls, may more strongly influence visual systems. […] Thus, overall, there are early indications of possible neurochemical abnormalities in BDD. […] However, few studies have been conducted, and more research is needed to verify what, if any, neurochemical abnormalities are present in BDD and what the findings mean for people with BDD. […] These studies provide evidence of abnormalities in frontostriatal systems in individuals with BDD. […] However, a fourth study did not find brain differences between BDD and control groups.

• #64 Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment & More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD are most commonly worried about the most visible part of their body, like their face, hair, and skin. […] Muscle dysmorphia is a subcategory of BDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). This is where a person is preoccupied with the idea that their body is too small or not muscular enough. […] About 1.7 to 2.4 percent of people in the United States are living with BDD. It develops most often during adolescence. […] According to research, symptoms of BDD are also significantly higher in people with eating disorders. […] To be diagnosed with BDD, you must present the following symptoms: a preoccupation with a flaw in your physical appearance, repetitive behaviors, like skin picking, repeatedly changing your clothes, or looking in the mirror, significant distress or a disruption in your ability to function because of your obsession with the flaw, the BDD preoccupation is not the direct result of an eating disorder, but a person may have both.

• #65 Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment & More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD are most commonly worried about the most visible part of their body, like their face, hair, and skin. […] Muscle dysmorphia is a subcategory of BDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). This is where a person is preoccupied with the idea that their body is too small or not muscular enough. […] About 1.7 to 2.4 percent of people in the United States are living with BDD. It develops most often during adolescence. […] According to research, symptoms of BDD are also significantly higher in people with eating disorders. […] To be diagnosed with BDD, you must present the following symptoms: a preoccupation with a flaw in your physical appearance, repetitive behaviors, like skin picking, repeatedly changing your clothes, or looking in the mirror, significant distress or a disruption in your ability to function because of your obsession with the flaw, the BDD preoccupation is not the direct result of an eating disorder, but a person may have both.

• #66 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – HelpGuide.org

  https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/anxiety/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd

  Isolating yourself so others will not see the offending body part. […] Spending a lot of energy camouflaging or covering up the perceived flaw. […] Going to lengths to avoid having your picture taken. […] Undergoing plastic surgery to correct the perceived imperfection. […] Picking your skin compulsively, leading to injury. […] Comparing yourself negatively to others. […] Putting a lot of effort into changing the feature with excessive exercise or tanning. […] Overspending on personal grooming. […] Muscle dysmorphia is a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder centered on the belief that your muscles are not large enough. […] Like body dysmorphic disorder in general, muscle dysmorphia can be difficult to recognize. […] The exact causes of body dysmorphic disorder are uncertain, but a combination genetic and environmental factors likely play a role.

• #67 Body dysmorphic disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

  You may excessively focus over one or more parts of your body. The bodily feature that you focus on may change over time. […] A preoccupation with your body build being too small or not muscular enough (muscle dysmorphia) occurs almost exclusively in males. […] Body dysmorphic disorder usually doesn’t get better on its own. If left untreated, it may get worse over time, leading to anxiety, extensive medical bills, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• #68 The Mirror Lies: Body Dysmorphic Disorder | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2008/0715/p217.html

  Body dysmorphic disorder is an increasingly recognized somatoform disorder, clinically distinct from obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and depression. Patients with body dysmorphic disorder are preoccupied with an imagined deficit in the appearance of one or more body parts, causing clinically significant stress, impairment, and dysfunction. […] Patients with BDD are preoccupied with a perceived physical defect, and this disrupts their lives by causing them considerable social distress and occupational dysfunction. […] Bodybuilders and patients with eating disorders also may have BDD. Muscle dysmorphia, considered by many to be a subtype of BDD, is characterized by excessive preoccupation and insecurity with one’s musculature, resulting in excessive weight lifting, anabolic steroid use, and impaired social functioning.

• #69 Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms & Effects | Montecatini Treatment Center

  https://www.montecatinieatingdisorder.com/eating-disorders/bdd/symptoms-signs/

  BDD is a significant condition that can produce a number of dangerous effects in an individuals life if it is not treated. Some of these effects can include: Development of a co-occurring mental health disorder, Suicide attempts, Side effects of steroids including breast development, shrunken testicles, and infertility in men, and deeper voice, increased body hair, and infrequent periods in women, as well as acne, tendonitis, tumors, and aggressive behaviors in both sexes, Loss of relationships, Poor performance at work or school, Repeated hospitalizations, Medical conditions due to a lack of proper nutrition, Loss of a job. […] Those who grapple with BDD tend to also battle with other mental health conditions at the same time. Sadly, those who have BDD are more likely to develop an eating disorder like binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa.

• #70 Signs & Symptoms of BDD – BDD

  https://bdd.iocdf.org/professionals/signs-symptoms/

  BDD preoccupations fuel repetitive compulsive behaviors that are intended to fix, hide, inspect, or obtain reassurance about the disliked body parts. On average, these behaviors consume from 3 – 8 hours a day. They are usually difficult to control or stop. These behaviors may be clues that a person has BDD. […] Most people with BDD are mostly or completely convinced that they look ugly or abnormal, even though other people don’t see them this way. In reality, the perceived defects are actually non-existent or slight. In other words, insight regarding the perceived appearance defects is usually absent (i.e., delusional beliefs) or poor. […] Many individuals with BDD report intense feelings of shame and low self-esteem. A deep sense of self-loathing may result in the belief that they are fundamentally inadequate, unacceptable to others, or unlovable, or that they will always be alone because of how they look. Emotions that are common in people with BDD include depression, anxiety, self-consciousness, guilt, frustration, anger, disgust, embarrassment, and grief.

• #71 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – PsychDB

  https://www.psychdb.com/ocd/body-dysmorphic

  BDD is usually be chronic, but improvement is probable when evidence-based treatments are given. It is estimated that 27 to 39% are delusional in their beliefs (false, fixed beliefs). […] Concerns from individuals with BDD may range from thinking they look unattractive or not right to looking hideous or like a monster. The preoccupations with physical appearance must be intrusive (i.e. – unwanted) and time-consuming (occurring, on average, 3-8 hours per day). […] Common behaviors seen in BDD may include: Comparing one’s appearance with other individuals, Seeking reassurance about how the perceived flaws look, Excessively tanning to darken skin, Touching and checking disliked areas to check them, Repeatedly checking for perceived defects in mirrors or examining them directly, Excessive grooming (e.g. – styling, combing, shaving, plucking, or pulling hair), Camouflaging (e.g. – repeatedly applying makeup or covering disliked areas with such things as a hat, clothing, makeup, or hair), Excessively exercising or weight lifting (in muscle dysmorphia), Seeking and repeatedly requesting cosmetic procedures.

• #72 By the way, doctor: What is body dysmorphic disorder? – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-is-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  The degree of a person’s self-awareness can be elicited through a short questionnaire. Education about the condition can help a person see the value of mental health treatment. A handful of studies have shown that antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) can help, although they seem to be effective only about half the time. Other classes of drugs have not been proved effective for BDD, but theoretically they could be helpful for symptoms that are common in the illness, such as delusions. Psychotherapy is helpful for those with milder (non-delusional) symptoms. Above all, the goal is to help the BDD sufferer turn away from a preoccupation with appearance and engage in treatment for underlying problems. A very difficult task to be sure, but probably the only way to achieve relief.

• #73 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #74 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in Kids and Teens (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bdd.html

  Body dysmorphic disorder happens when kids and teens spend a lot of time worrying that parts of their body are flawed in some way. […] Kids and teens with body dysmorphic disorder focus on flaws that others wouldn’t notice and may feel sad, alone, or depressed. […] Kids and teens with body dysmorphic disorder: […] Focus on their looks to an extreme. They find it hard to stop thinking about the parts of their looks that they dislike. […] Feel upset about their appearance. They feel worried, stressed, and anxious about their looks almost all the time. […] Check or fix their body part often. Kids and teens with the disorder feel the strong need to check their appearance over and over. […] Try not to be seen. Some kids and teens feel so bad about their looks that they don’t want to be seen.

• #75 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Youth | Mental Health America

  https://mhanational.org/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd-and-youth

  Symptoms of BDD typically begin during adolescence, most commonly by 12-13 years old. If a child or teen obsesses about their appearance, is overly critical of perceived minor flaws and experiences severe distress as a result, they might be showing signs of body dysmorphic disorder. […] BDD can significantly affect academic performance. Time consuming thoughts about appearance make it difficult to focus on schoolwork, and it can lead to students failing tests and having trouble concentrating in class. […] One study found that 18 percent of students with BDD dropped out of school entirely because their symptoms were so severe. […] While social media may not cause body dysmorphic disorder, it may act as a trigger in those already genetically predisposed to the disorder, or it could worsen existing symptoms. For example, teenagers are particularly prone to developing BDD, and if “ideals” of appearance are presented to them through social media, this can trigger their development of the illness. […] Acting early–before Stage 4–to address BDD will help increase the likelihood of recovery and help young people overcome their distorted self-image.

• #76 What Is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? – Child Mind Institute

  https://childmind.org/article/body-dysmorphic-disorder/

  Repetitive behaviors. These are things like repeatedly checking the mirror, picking at skin and excessive grooming or makeup application. […] Believing the flaws are real. While body dysmorphic disorder shares the obsessions and repetitive behaviors we associate with OCD, one big difference is that people with BDD are more likely to believe the things they are fixated on. […] Treatment for body dysmorphia (BDD) in teens usually starts with medication because symptoms of BDD are so extreme. Then therapists use a therapy called exposure and response prevention. That means that therapists slowly get kids used to the anxiety they feel about their “flaw” without hiding it, until the anxiety goes away.

• #77 Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/

  The symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) can get better with treatment. […] If your symptoms are relatively mild, you should be referred for a type of talking therapy called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which you have either on your own or in a group. […] If you have moderate symptoms, you should be offered either CBT or a type of antidepressant medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). […] If your symptoms are more severe, or other treatments do not work, you should be offered CBT together with an SSRI. […] CBT can help you manage your BDD symptoms by changing the way you think and behave. […] It may take up to 12 weeks for SSRIs to have an effect on your BDD symptoms. […] Children and young people may be offered an SSRI if they’re having severe symptoms of BDD. […] If treatment with both CBT and an SSRI has not improved your BDD symptoms after 12 weeks, you may be prescribed a different type of SSRI or another antidepressant called clomipramine.

• #78 What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder? | Definition Meaning

  https://withinhealth.com/learn/articles/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD generally have a negative self-image and may frequently refer to themselves as unattractive, ugly, or deformed. […] Early effects of BDD can include increased stress and anxiety related to negative self-thoughts. […] In the long term, BDD can lead to substance use disorders, social isolation, and increased symptoms of depression related to fear of shame and embarrassment about their perceived imperfections. […] Untreated BDD is associated with a higher rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. […] Signs that BDD may be present include: making comments comparing themselves with others, repeatedly checking their perceived defects in mirrors, skin lesions and scarring (from skin picking or plucking), excessive grooming (combing, styling, shaving, plucking), seeking reassurance from others about their appearance, concealing perceived flaws with makeup, hats, or clothing, and cosmetic procedures to correct perceived defects.

• #79 Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Part One | Sheppard Pratt

  https://www.sheppardpratt.org/news-views/story/body-dysmorphic-disorder-part-one/

  Below is a short list of the more common areas of the body that those with BDD may become preoccupied with. However, it is important to note that any aspect of appearance can be a target for BDD. […] Like OCD, body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by unwanted intrusive thought (obsessions) and behaviors aimed at reducing distress about those thoughts (compulsions). Compulsions in BDD are behavioral attempts to conceal, examine, fix or get reassurance about the perceived defect. […] While sometimes the compulsive behaviors are obvious to others, especially in more severe cases, oftentimes they are done in secret. […] Like all compulsions, these behaviors may alleviate the anxiety briefly but ultimately reinforce self-defeating beliefs, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety, which all contribute to an increased sense of isolation and self-hatred.

• #80 Body Dysmorphic Disorder Signs & Symptoms | The Refuge

  https://www.therefuge-ahealingplace.com/eating-disorders/body-dsymorphic-disorder/effects-symptoms-signs/

  According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), people who have BDD spend an average of three to eight hours every day dealing with intrusive negative thoughts about their body shape, size, or appearance. These obsessive thoughts can push people to engage in a variety of unpleasant or self-defeating behaviors. […] For example, people who have BDD may feel the urge to constantly check their appearance in mirrors or other reflective surfaces and may be compelled to compare their appearance with that of everyone they meet or see. They may engage in excessive grooming habits, exercising, tanning, or other actions. They may even choose to undergo multiple cosmetic medical procedures. […] The nature of severe body image distortion means that none of these behaviors will allow a person to experience relief from their continual negative thought patterns. The constant distress caused by having a distorted body image can take a heavy toll on interpersonal relationships and may even lead to avoidance of social situations.

• #81 Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Part One | Sheppard Pratt

  https://www.sheppardpratt.org/news-views/story/body-dysmorphic-disorder-part-one/

  Below is a short list of the more common areas of the body that those with BDD may become preoccupied with. However, it is important to note that any aspect of appearance can be a target for BDD. […] Like OCD, body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by unwanted intrusive thought (obsessions) and behaviors aimed at reducing distress about those thoughts (compulsions). Compulsions in BDD are behavioral attempts to conceal, examine, fix or get reassurance about the perceived defect. […] While sometimes the compulsive behaviors are obvious to others, especially in more severe cases, oftentimes they are done in secret. […] Like all compulsions, these behaviors may alleviate the anxiety briefly but ultimately reinforce self-defeating beliefs, intrusive thoughts, and anxiety, which all contribute to an increased sense of isolation and self-hatred.

• #82 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  BDD can cause extreme emotional distress, including feeling of anxiety, shame, depression and disgust. Even if sufferers’ concerns about their appearance aren’t noticeable to others, their distress is very real. […] The majority of people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) worry about lots of aspects of their appearance, and it can be extremely distressing. […] Avoidance – Due to heightened self-consciousness and anxiety about their appearance, individuals with BDD may start avoiding social situations altogether. This avoidance is often driven by the fear of being negatively judged or perceived as flawed by others. It can lead to social isolation, withdrawal, and a decline in quality of life. Individuals may also avoid mirrors and anything that could be considered a reflective surface.

• #83 Body Dysmorphic Disorder Treatment Options: Signs & Symptoms

  https://mhcsandiego.com/blog/body-dysmorphic-disorder-treatment-options/

  Such a patient will avoid social functions and life because he/she feels embarrassed and ashamed of being in public places owing to the appearance of their body. A patient with Body Dysmorphic Disorder can end up being isolated because of fear of judgment, thereby being unable to live a normal life or mingle with people.

• #84 Body dysmorphic disorder

  https://womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  We all sometimes worry about how we look, but body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious illness in which a person is overly worried about minor or imaginary physical flaws. […] Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a serious illness in which a person is overly worried about their appearance or about minor or imaginary physical flaws. […] People with BDD check their appearance in a mirror constantly, try to cover up their perceived flaw, or worry about it for at least an hour a day, and that worry interferes with their life in some way. […] The symptoms of BDD include: Being preoccupied with minor or imaginary physical flaws, which usually cant be seen by others; Having a strong belief that you have a defect in your appearance that makes you ugly or deformed; Having a lot of anxiety and stress about the perceived flaw and spending a lot of time focusing on it; Frequently picking at skin; Excessively checking your appearance in a mirror and grooming yourself; Hiding the perceived imperfection; Constantly comparing appearance with others to the point that it becomes your biggest focus or worry; Constantly seeking reassurance from others about how you look and not believing them when they compliment your appearance; Getting cosmetic surgery but not being happy with the outcome many times. […] One in every 50 people may have BDD. […] The condition is more common in women and usually starts in the teen years. […] Getting cosmetic surgery can make BDD worse. People with BDD are often not happy with the outcome of the surgery and continue to obsess over imaginary defects.

• #85 Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment & More

  https://www.healthline.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Studies show approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of people who take an SSRI will experience a 30 percent or greater reduction in BDD symptoms. […] Studies estimate that around 5-15 percent of cosmetic surgery patients meet BDD criteria. But doctors typically dont recommend cosmetic aesthetic surgery for people with BDD. Its unlikely to treat BDD and may even make symptoms worse in some people. […] Research shows that both CBT and pharmacotherapy can help adults manage their BDD, and evidence of their efficacy in younger populations is growing. But many people continue to exhibit BDD symptoms during and after treatment.

• #86 Body dysmorphic disorder: Clinical features – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/body-dysmorphic-disorder-clinical-features

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric illness that is characterized by preoccupation with nonexistent or slight defects in physical appearance, such that patients believe that they look abnormal, unattractive, ugly, or deformed, when in reality, they look normal. […] The preoccupation with perceived flaws triggers repetitive behaviors (eg, checking their appearance in mirrors), which are difficult to control and are not pleasurable. […] BDD is common but usually underrecognized, causes clinically significant distress and/or impaired functioning, and is often associated with suicidal ideation and behavior. […] Most patients seek nonpsychiatric cosmetic treatment (most commonly dermatologic and surgical) for their perceived physical defects; this treatment appears to be ineffective for most patients and can be risky for clinicians to provide. […] By contrast, pharmacotherapy (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or clomipramine) and/or cognitive-behavioral therapy tailored specifically to BDD are often efficacious.

• #87

  https://healthmatch.io/blog/what-is-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Unfortunately, many people living with BDD experience lower quality of life in many areas of their life, including relationships and receiving an education. […] BDD is also associated with a high risk of suicide and self-harm. Experts estimate that 80% of people with BDD have thought about suicide, and 25% will attempt to take their own lives. […] Unfortunately, there isn’t a single medication or treatment that can completely relieve BBD symptoms. However, various treatment options can make the symptoms much more manageable and less intrusive. […] One of the leading evidence-based treatments for BDD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The cognitive part of the therapy involves helping patients identify irrational beliefs and reframe thoughts related to their appearance. […] Before someone with undiagnosed BDD confides in a healthcare professional, they may first look to cosmetic surgery to relieve their distress. Some studies estimate that 78% of those seeking cosmetic surgery in the US have BDD.

• #88 What does it mean to have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

  https://anxietyinathletes.org/athletes/i-want-to-learn/bdd/

  Individuals with milder or more moderate BDD symptoms may benefit from either medication or therapy alone. […] Studies have shown that, on average, about 66%75% of people will experience a 30% or more reduction in BDD symptoms from taking an SRI. […] Because they see their problems as something physical that needs to be changed, many individuals with BDD (including kids and teens) end up trying cosmetic treatments to fix their perceived flaws. […] More often, individuals actually report an increase in concerns about their appearance (feeling disfigured) or develop new areas of concern (changing from a concern with nose size, for example, to hair thickness) following cosmetic treatment. […] CBT for adults with BDD is effective in improving BDD symptoms and has also been shown to improve related symptoms such as depression, lack of insight, poor body image, low self-esteem, and social anxiety.

• #89 By the way, doctor: What is body dysmorphic disorder? – Harvard Health

  https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/what-is-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  People with BDD often get cosmetic surgery or dermatology treatments in pursuit of fixes for perceived flaws. Sadly, their unrealistic expectations can lead them to feel worse, not better, and the disappointment can be devastating. A group from the University of Pennsylvania reviewed studies linking cosmetic breast augmentation and suicide. The authors noted that among patients with BDD who receive this surgery, more than 90% had similar or worse symptoms of BDD after the procedure. […] Research has shown that the severity of the BDD symptoms correlates to certain patterns of activity in two areas of the brain the visual processing center in the orbitofrontal cortex, and the frontostriatal system, which affects emotional reactions and behaviors. This suggests that people with BDD are processing visual information differently in their brains and may help to explain why their perceptions differ from those of other people.

• #90 Body dysmorphic disorder – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938

  You may excessively focus over one or more parts of your body. The bodily feature that you focus on may change over time. […] A preoccupation with your body build being too small or not muscular enough (muscle dysmorphia) occurs almost exclusively in males. […] Body dysmorphic disorder usually doesn’t get better on its own. If left untreated, it may get worse over time, leading to anxiety, extensive medical bills, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• #91 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #92 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #93 Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) – NHS

  https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/body-dysmorphia/

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. […] You might have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) if you: worry a lot about a specific area of your body (particularly your face), spend a lot of time comparing your looks with other people’s, look at yourself in mirrors a lot or avoid mirrors altogether, go to a lot of effort to conceal flaws for example, by spending a long time combing your hair, applying make-up or choosing clothes, pick at your skin to make it „smooth.” […] BDD can seriously affect your daily life, including your work, social life and relationships. […] BDD can also lead to depression, self-harm and even thoughts of suicide.

• #94 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #95 Recent advances in understanding and managing body dysmorphic disorder

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5566091/

  In a recent systematic review, the weighted prevalence of BDD was estimated to be 1.9% in community samples of adults and 5.8% to 7.4% in psychiatric settings, highlighting the importance of clinical vigilance for the disorder. […] BDD has been shown to be more common in older adolescents, consistent with reports that the mean age of onset is around 16 years. […] Despite its prevalence and impact, current evidence suggests that BDD often goes undiagnosed. […] Assessment of BDD should always include consideration of risk. […] In a recent meta-analysis, patients with BDD were found to be more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared with controls, highlighting the importance of assessing suicidality in this population. […] A range of environmental factors have been suggested to influence the development of BDD, including childhood abuse, peer teasing and peer victimisation.

• #96 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9888-body-dysmorphic-disorder

  BDD usually becomes more severe the longer it goes untreated. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis and treatment for body dysmorphic disorder as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment may stop BDD’s symptoms and effects from worsening. […] BDD is treatable and it’s often possible to manage it. Unfortunately, it isn’t curable and doesn’t go away on its own. Once it develops, it’s a lifelong condition. […] Without treatment, body dysmorphic disorder has the potential to disrupt your life severely. Self-harm or suicide are also more common among people living with untreated BDD. Up to 80% of people with BDD have suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 4 people with BDD attempt suicide. People with BDD are also 45 times more likely to die by suicide than people without it. Because of this, early diagnosis and treatment especially in people who develop BDD before age 18 are critical.

• #97 Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders- National Eating Disorders Association

  https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/body-dysmorphia/

  Muscle dysmorphia is a subtype of body dysmorphia in which individuals become preoccupied with a perceived flaw in their build and believe that their musculature is inadequate. […] Approximately 2.4% of adults in the United States will be diagnosed with BDD at some point in their lives. […] Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder also have increased risk of death. This increased risk is primarily due to suicide, with approximately 2428% attempting suicide and .3% dying by suicide per year, which is significantly greater than other types of mental illnesses and the general population. […] Furthermore, individuals who have both disorders exhibit more severe symptoms of each disorder as well as higher rates of psychiatric hospitalizations.

• #98 Body dysmorphic disorder – symptoms, causes and treatment | healthdirect

  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/body-dysmorphic-disorder

  Body dysmorphic disorder is difficult to treat without professional help. It doesnt usually get better on its own and can get worse. […] Many people who have the disorder also have or develop depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder or an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa. […] People with body dysmorphic disorder may find it difficult to accept that treatment for their underlying mental health condition is the best pathway, as they may be focussed on cosmetic surgery or skin treatments as a solution for their perceived problem. In reality, these treatments do not solve the persons dissatisfaction and may make the problem worse.

• #99 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) | Mental Health America

  https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd

  Medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may effectively reduce symptoms of BDD. […] Major depressive disorder (clinical depression) often coexists with body dysmorphic disorder. Other common co-occurring illnesses include social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and substance-related disorders.

• #100 Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) And Depression – Klarity Health Library

  https://my.klarity.health/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd-and-depression/

  Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is more frequent than you might expect and has a substantial influence on people’s lives. Point prevalence in the general population ranged from 0.7% to 2.4%, according to epidemiological studies. […] Anyone, regardless of age or gender, can experience BDD. People with this mental illness become fixated on perceived imperfections in their looks, even if others don’t see them. This causes feelings of extreme anxiety, sadness, and self-consciousness. […] BDD’s effects go beyond simple emotional anguish. It can obstruct daily activities, professional life, and personal relationships. People who have BDD frequently experience sadness, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. Additionally, they could take drastic actions like over-grooming, cosmetic operations, dressing up or wearing makeup to cover up their perceived imperfections. […] The coexistence of these disorders frequently results in more severe functional impairment, more distress, and prolonged treatment times. For optimal management, both BDD and depression must be addressed using integrated strategies.

• #101 Symptoms & Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Carolina House

  https://www.carolinaeatingdisorders.com/eating-disorders/bdd/signs-symptoms/

  Psychosocial symptoms: Suicidal thoughts, Poor relationships, Avoidance of social situations due to fear of ridicule, Poor self-esteem. […] BDD is a serious issue that can cause a number of dangerous consequences to occur if it goes untreated. Some of these effects can include: Side effects of steroids including breast development, shrunken testicles, and infertility in men, and deeper voice, increased body hair, and infrequent periods in women, as well as acne, tendonitis, tumors, and aggressive behaviors in people of all genders, Repeated hospitalizations, Medical conditions due to lack of proper nutrition, Development of a co-occurring mental health disorder, Suicide attempts, Loss of relationships, Poor performance at work or school, Loss of job. […] Those who grapple with BDD also tend to struggle with other mental health conditions at the same time. Sadly, those who have BDD are more likely to develop eating disorders including anorexia and bulimia.

• #102 Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms & Effects | Montecatini Treatment Center

  https://www.montecatinieatingdisorder.com/eating-disorders/bdd/symptoms-signs/

  BDD is a significant condition that can produce a number of dangerous effects in an individuals life if it is not treated. Some of these effects can include: Development of a co-occurring mental health disorder, Suicide attempts, Side effects of steroids including breast development, shrunken testicles, and infertility in men, and deeper voice, increased body hair, and infrequent periods in women, as well as acne, tendonitis, tumors, and aggressive behaviors in both sexes, Loss of relationships, Poor performance at work or school, Repeated hospitalizations, Medical conditions due to a lack of proper nutrition, Loss of a job. […] Those who grapple with BDD tend to also battle with other mental health conditions at the same time. Sadly, those who have BDD are more likely to develop an eating disorder like binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa.

• #103 Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms & Effects | Montecatini Treatment Center

  https://www.montecatinieatingdisorder.com/eating-disorders/bdd/symptoms-signs/

  BDD is a significant condition that can produce a number of dangerous effects in an individuals life if it is not treated. Some of these effects can include: Development of a co-occurring mental health disorder, Suicide attempts, Side effects of steroids including breast development, shrunken testicles, and infertility in men, and deeper voice, increased body hair, and infrequent periods in women, as well as acne, tendonitis, tumors, and aggressive behaviors in both sexes, Loss of relationships, Poor performance at work or school, Repeated hospitalizations, Medical conditions due to a lack of proper nutrition, Loss of a job. […] Those who grapple with BDD tend to also battle with other mental health conditions at the same time. Sadly, those who have BDD are more likely to develop an eating disorder like binge-eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa.

• #104 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  If you are struggling with BDD, you may be finding it more difficult to be around others, maybe because you want to hide your physical appearance from them. […] At its worst, BDD may stop people from leaving their home or bedroom entirely. […] When BDD leads to dangerous behaviours, such as self-harm, not eating or not being able to leave the house, family members can become really worried and feel helpless to make things better for their loved one. […] BDD at its worst can make regular employment, education or family life impossible. […] Those in regular employment or who have family responsibilities would almost certainly find life more productive and satisfying if they did not have the symptoms of BDD.

• #105 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  If you are struggling with BDD, you may be finding it more difficult to be around others, maybe because you want to hide your physical appearance from them. […] At its worst, BDD may stop people from leaving their home or bedroom entirely. […] When BDD leads to dangerous behaviours, such as self-harm, not eating or not being able to leave the house, family members can become really worried and feel helpless to make things better for their loved one. […] BDD at its worst can make regular employment, education or family life impossible. […] Those in regular employment or who have family responsibilities would almost certainly find life more productive and satisfying if they did not have the symptoms of BDD.

• #106 Body Dysmorphic Disorder | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/body-dysmorphic-disorder.html

  Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health problem. If you have BDD, you may be so upset about how your body looks that it gets in the way of your ability to live normally. Many of us have what we think are flaws in our appearance. But if you have BDD, your reaction to this flaw may become overwhelming. […] You may find that negative thoughts about your body are hard to control. You may even spend hours each day worrying about how you look. Your thinking can become so negative and constant, you may start thinking about suicide at times. […] Symptoms of BDD include: Constantly checking yourself in the mirror, Staying away from mirrors, Trying to hide your body part under a hat, scarf, or makeup, Constantly exercising or grooming, Always comparing yourself with others, Always asking other people if you look OK, Not believing other people when they say you look fine, Staying away from social activities, Not going out of the house, especially in the daytime, Seeing many healthcare providers about your looks, Having unneeded plastic surgeries, Picking at your skin with fingers or tweezers, Feeling anxious, depressed, and ashamed, Thinking of suicide. […] Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health disorder. If you have BDD, you may be so worried about the way your body looks that it interferes with your ability to function normally. […] Left untreated, BDD can lead to severe depression and even suicidal thoughts. It should not be ignored.

• #107 Feelings and Symptoms – BDDFFacebook iconTwitter iconInstagram icon

  https://bddfoundation.org/information/feelings-and-symptoms/

  If you are struggling with BDD, you may be finding it more difficult to be around others, maybe because you want to hide your physical appearance from them. […] At its worst, BDD may stop people from leaving their home or bedroom entirely. […] When BDD leads to dangerous behaviours, such as self-harm, not eating or not being able to leave the house, family members can become really worried and feel helpless to make things better for their loved one. […] BDD at its worst can make regular employment, education or family life impossible. […] Those in regular employment or who have family responsibilities would almost certainly find life more productive and satisfying if they did not have the symptoms of BDD.

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