WHY DOES BDD HAPPEN?

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness in which a person is excessively preoccupied with one or more perceived flaws in their physical appearance. This preoccupation causes significant distress and impairment in the person's life. People with BDD may spend excessive time grooming or trying to hide their perceived flaws, or they may avoid social situations altogether.

What are the Causes of BDD?

The exact causes of BDD are not fully understood. However, several factors are thought to play a role, including:

• Genetics: Studies have shown that BDD tends to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
• Brain chemistry: People with BDD have been found to have differences in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in their brains. These neurotransmitters are involved in mood regulation and self-perception.
• Personality traits: People with certain personality traits, such as perfectionism and low self-esteem, may be more likely to develop BDD.
• Life experiences: Traumatic life experiences, such as childhood abuse or neglect, can also increase the risk of developing BDD.

What are the Risk Factors for BDD?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing BDD, including:

• Being female: Women are more likely to develop BDD than men.
• Being young: BDD typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
• Having a history of trauma: People who have experienced childhood trauma, such as abuse or neglect, are more likely to develop BDD.
• Having a family history of BDD: People who have a family member with BDD are more likely to develop the disorder themselves.
• Having a comorbid mental illness: People with other mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, are more likely to develop BDD.

What are the Symptoms of BDD?

The symptoms of BDD can vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms include:

• Excessive preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws in physical appearance: The person may spend hours each day grooming or trying to hide their perceived flaws.
• Avoidance of social situations: The person may avoid social situations because they are afraid of being judged or ridiculed for their perceived flaws.
• Impaired functioning in daily life: The person's preoccupation with their perceived flaws may interfere with their ability to work, go to school, or maintain relationships.
• Feelings of shame, guilt, and anxiety: The person may feel ashamed or guilty about their perceived flaws and may worry excessively about how others perceive them.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: In severe cases, BDD can lead to suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

How is BDD Treated?

There are a variety of treatments available for BDD, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps people to identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their BDD.
• Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to improve the symptoms of BDD by reducing anxiety and depression.
• Other medications: Some other medications, such as antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, may be helpful in treating BDD.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is BDD a common disorder?

• A: BDD is a relatively rare disorder, affecting about 1% of the population.

• Q: What is the prognosis for BDD?

• A: The prognosis for BDD varies. Some people may experience improvement with treatment, while others may continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives.

• Q: How can I help someone with BDD?

• A: There are several things you can do to help someone with BDD, including:

  • Be supportive and understanding: Listen to the person's concerns and let them know that you care about them.
  • Avoid making comments about the person's appearance: This can make the person feel worse about themselves.
  • Encourage the person to seek professional help: If you are concerned about someone's BDD, encourage them to see a therapist or psychiatrist.

• Q: Is there a cure for BDD?

• A: There is no cure for BDD, but the symptoms can be managed with treatment.

• Q: What are some resources for people with BDD?

• A: Several resources are available for people with BDD, including:

  • The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): 1-800-931-2237
  • The BDD Foundation: 1-800-825-5462
  • The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): 1-800-829-8255