Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Definition

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw or defect in one's physical appearance, which causes significant distress and impairment in daily life. Individuals with BDD often engage in repetitive behaviors, such as mirror checking or excessive grooming, in an attempt to address their perceived flaws.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is classified as an Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
2. Individuals with BDD often experience significant impairment in their social, occupational, and interpersonal functioning due to their preoccupation with their perceived physical flaws.
3. BDD can lead to excessive grooming behaviors, such as excessive mirror checking, skin picking, or cosmetic procedures, in an attempt to 'fix' the perceived defect.
4. The onset of BDD typically occurs during adolescence or early adulthood, and the disorder is equally common in males and females.
5. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the primary evidence-based treatments for Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Review Questions

• Explain how Body Dysmorphic Disorder is related to Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders.
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is classified as an Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorder in the DSM-5. Like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), BDD is characterized by intrusive, obsessive thoughts about a perceived physical flaw or defect, which leads to repetitive, compulsive behaviors, such as excessive mirror checking or grooming, in an attempt to alleviate the associated distress. Both disorders involve a preoccupation with a specific concern and the engagement in rituals or behaviors to manage the obsessive thoughts, highlighting the similarities in their underlying mechanisms and clinical presentation.
• Describe the impact of Body Dysmorphic Disorder on an individual's daily functioning and quality of life.
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder can have a significant and debilitating impact on an individual's daily functioning and overall quality of life. Individuals with BDD often experience significant distress, impairment, and impairment in their social, occupational, and interpersonal relationships due to their preoccupation with their perceived physical flaws. This preoccupation can lead to excessive grooming behaviors, avoidance of social situations, and even the pursuit of unnecessary cosmetic procedures, all of which can further exacerbate the individual's distress and impairment. The obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with BDD can interfere with an individual's ability to engage in everyday activities and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
• Evaluate the role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered the primary evidence-based treatments for Body Dysmorphic Disorder. CBT helps individuals with BDD challenge their distorted beliefs and thought patterns about their perceived physical flaws, and gradually expose them to situations that trigger their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This can help reduce the individual's preoccupation with their appearance and improve their overall functioning. Medication, such as SSRIs, can also be effective in reducing the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors associated with BDD by targeting the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. The combination of CBT and medication is often the most effective approach, as it addresses both the cognitive and biological aspects of the disorder, leading to better long-term outcomes for individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Related terms

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts, obsessions, and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform to alleviate anxiety or distress.

Body Image: An individual's subjective perception and feelings about their own physical appearance and body.

Dysmorphophobia: An intense and irrational fear or preoccupation with a perceived physical defect or flaw, often leading to significant distress and impairment.