Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an individual’s inability to stop thinking about defects or flaws in their looks. These defects or flaws may be perceived, real and minor and may not be perceived by others. Individuals with body dysmorphic appear convinced that there is something wrong with the way they look and they may appear uncomfortable being in social setting because they fear social scrutiny. It is believed that people with this condition have greater brain activity than healthy controls in regions within a face-processing network on the left side of the brain for the low detail and the normal images.
Types of Body Dysmorphia
Body Dysmorphic Disorder by Proxy: This is a type of body dysmorphia in which the individual's concerns involved perceived imperfections with another person's appearance. In order words, they have someone they intend to be like and strive to be like that person.
Muscle Dysmorphia:
- Muscle dysmorphia is a psychopathological condition and involves overly concerned with their muscularity and leanness. This is usually prevalent among males.
- People with muscle dysmorphia believe that their bodies are small and weak although most people would perceive them be in body shape. They engage in more exercises to build their muscles.
- People with body dysmorphia are so preoccupied with the thoughts of their body that it could affect their normal daily functioning including how they perceive themselves and others.
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia
- Putting oversized clothing focused on hiding the perceived flaws
- Engaging in too much exercise
- Looking at the mirror or avoiding the mirror entirely
- Constantly comparing themselves with others
- Constantly asking people how they look
- May adopt certain diet to suit how they want to look
- Avoiding social interaction for fear of scrutiny
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually made to ascertain the distress level caused by this condition. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition), (DSM 5) diagnosis involves distress due to the perceived physical defect or flaw.
Causes of Body Dysmorphia
There is no clear known cause of body dysmorphia. However, they are risk factors to it. They include:
- Genetics
- Trauma: Traumatic events like verbal abuse or physical abuse could trigger it
- Societal perception about body structure
- Low self esteem
- Fear of abandonment or feeling rejected
- Social media projection of an ‘ideal body structure
- Perfectionism or comparing yourself with others
- Comorbid with other mental issues like anxiety, depression and OCD
Treatment of Body Dysmorphia
A couple of therapies can help an individual manage body dysmorphia. They include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Behavioural therapy
BD
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Body Dysmorphic Assessment — ₦75,000 (per session)
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