About body dysmorphic disorder
WE all like to admire ourselves, but when we begin to obsess about finding tiny flaws on our bodies to the extent that we avoid social settings, it can become problematic.
This problem is known as body dysmorphic disorder, which is identified when a person agonises about their appearance and body image, continuously grooming themselves and checking the mirror, or seeking the reassurance of others on how they look, usually for a significant portion of the day.
According to psychiatrist Dr Geoffrey Walcott, this perceived flaw may result in significant distress for the individual and may affect their ability to function normally.
He further explained that the need to “fix” yourself may result in excessive spending on cosmetic procedures which may provide temporary satisfaction; but the feelings of anxiety will return and you go right back to square one, trying to constantly fix the “problem”.
Other signs of body dysmorphic disorder include having a strong belief that your appearance is flawed and that you look ugly, believing that others take notice of your appearance in a negative way, attempting to hide perceived faults with make-up or clothes, having perfectionist tendencies, constantly comparing yourself to others, or constantly seeking reassurance about your appearance.
Dr Walcott also pointed out that an individual with this disorder may also obsess about particular body parts such as their nose, hair thinning or baldness, vein appearance, breast size, muscle size, genitalia appearance, and skin issues such as blemishes, wrinkles, uneven tone or complexion.
Importantly, the psychiatrist explained that this issue usually manifests in the early teen years and affects members of both sexes.
He said it is believed that negative life experiences, certain personality traits, societal expectations of beauty, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety or depression can lead to body dysmorphic disorder.
Diagnosis is usually achieved after a psychiatric evaluation and comparison to symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
If left untreated, this condition may worsen and lead to other conditions such as eating disorders, severe depression and even suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Treatment may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medications.
It is important that you do not self-diagnose, but seek the help of a psychiatrist who will accurately assess your condition and help you to come to terms with the problem.
— Kimberley Hibbert
