WHAT IS BDD?
BDD (Also known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder or Body Dysmorphia) is a psychological disorder that distorts one's body image. BDD creates excessive and obsessive preoccupation with negative thoughts about a perceived or slight flaw in one's appearance.
*BDD is not to be mistaken by vanity!
BDD occurs both in Men and Women. Sufferers of BDD tend to fixate on a specific part of the face or body and constantly think about the perceived or slight flaw. For example, someone with Body Dysmorphic Disorder may obsess about her nose and believe that it's unbearably large or crooked, even though others may not see the problem. Although the most common areas of obsession in BDD sufferers are face, nose and hair, BDD is not limited to specific parts of the body or face. People with BDD may have obsessive preoccupation with one thing or EVERYTHING. The preoccupation that men and women with BDD experience can cause clinically significant stress, anxiety, depression, social avoidance, self harm and sadly even suicide.
Unfortunately, many cases of Body Dysmorphic Disorder go undiagnosed, and therefore, untreated. People with BDD often seek the help of clinicians such as plastic surgeons. BDD is NOT physical but rather a mental illness.
COMMON BDD BEHAVIOURS:
*Some common obsessive compulsions found in people with BDD include:
- Frequently checking appearance in mirrors/mirrored surfaces
- Excessive grooming (combing hair, plucking hair, picking at skin, applying makeup)
- Camouflaging the body or face with Makeup, baggy clothes, hats etc.
- Excessive dieting and exercise
- Frequently seeking reassurance from others ("Do I look okay?")
- Completely avoiding mirrors for fear of seeing one's reflection
If you think you may have BDD and are looking for answers, please consult your Doctor.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
MORE BDD FACTS:
- Are people suffering from BDD Narcissistic or Vain? Absolutely NOT. BDD sufferers are usually aware of their compulsive mirror checking and obsessive appearance preoccupation but have an extreme amount of difficulty controlling it.
- Over 350,000 Canadians are estimated to suffer from some form of BDD.
- BDD has alarmingly high rates of suicidal thoughts (Approx 57.8%) and suicide attempts (Approx. 2.6%)
- The most common areas of body obsession in BDD are skin/face, nose and hair. *(However, BDD obsessions and areas of concern can occur anywhere on the body and are not limited to one area at a time. Many people with BDD dislike or are disgusted with EVERY part of their body)
