NEGATIVE BODY IMAGE AND BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

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Negative body image and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are significant mental health concerns that can profoundly impact an individual’s well-being. While negative body image involves dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, BDD is a more severe condition characterized by obsessive focus on perceived physical flaws, often leading to substantial distress and impaired functioning.

BODY IMAGE
Body image is a combination of the thoughts and feelings that you hold about your body. For most people, it isn’t as simple as “I like my body” or “I don’t like my body.” It may range between positive and
negative experiences or a combination of both. It includes many aspects, such as:

• Your perception of how your body looks to you and others,
• Your estimation of body size,
• Your evaluation of individual parts of your body,
• Your evaluation of what your body can do and awareness of how your limbs move through space.
  
  How you feel about your body is something that can frequently change throughout a lifetime. It is influenced by internal (e.g. personality) and external (e.g. social environment) factors. Culture also exerts an enormous influence on your body image.
  A positive body image is when a person accepts and respects their body. Individuals with a positive body image might still be dissatisfied with some aspects of their body, but they are able to accept it for all its limitations. It is associated with higher self-esteem, self-acceptance and a balanced lifestyle.
  Given the complexity of body image and societal pressure to conform to its ever-changing standards, it’s no wonder body image can be problematic for many people. Negative body image can begin at a surprisingly early age. According to research done in 2020, up to 50 percent of first- and second-graders already don’t like some aspect of their figure. Dissatisfaction with your body can lead to a number of
  physically or emotionally unhealthy habits and it is also associated with a wide range of health conditions. People who are extremely dissatisfied with the way their bodies look have a greater risk of developing: lower self-esteem, relationship problems, mood disorders, eating disorders, self-harm
  tendencies, and body dysmorphic disorder.

BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER

What is it?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws or defects in one’s physical appearance. These perceived imperfections are often minor or not observable to others, but for individuals with BDD, they cause significant distress and can impair daily functioning. Key features of BDD are:
● Preoccupation with Appearance: Individuals with BDD are preoccupied with one or more perceived defects or flaws in their physical appearance. This preoccupation can dominate their
thoughts and behaviors.
● Distorted Self-Image: People with BDD often have a distorted view of how they look. They may believe that they appear ugly, deformed, or abnormal, even when others do not see these flaws.
● Compulsive Behaviors: To cope with their distress, individuals with BDD may engage in repetitive behaviors such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, or seeking reassurance
about their appearance from others.
● Avoidance Behaviors: Many with BDD avoid social situations, mirrors, or photos due to the fear of being judged negatively based on their appearance.
● Functional Impairment: The disorder can lead to severe impairments in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Individuals might isolate themselves, struggle with work or
school, and experience strained relationships.
Insight into body dysmorphic disorder can vary widely among individuals. Some people may recognize that their beliefs about their perceived flaws are exaggerated or false, while others might think these
beliefs are likely true or be completely certain they are true. The stronger the conviction in these beliefs, the greater the distress and disruption in the person’s life.

Who is affected by BDD?
Body dysmorphia often begins in adolescence or early adulthood, a critical period for self-esteem and body image development. Both men and women are affected by BDD, though the specific concerns
about appearance may differ. Women might focus more on weight, skin, or facial features, while men may be more concerned with muscle size, hair loss, or genital appearance. Another factor associated
with BDD is certain personality traits. People characterized by perfectionism or high self-criticism are more likely to develop BDD. Low self-esteem, a history of trauma or abuse, and anxiety or depression are
also associated with this disorder.

What is the cause of BDD?
The exact cause of BDD is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors:
● Genetic Factors: A family history of BDD or other mental health disorders may increase the risk.
● Biological Factors: Abnormalities in brain functioning or neurochemical imbalances may contribute to the development of BDD.
● Environmental Factors: Experiences such as bullying, abuse, or cultural pressures regarding beauty standards can play a role.
● Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and anxiety are commonly associated with BDD.

How to treat BDD?
Shame and embarrassment about your appearance may keep you from seeking treatment for body dysmorphic disorder, but body dysmorphic disorder usually doesn’t get better on its own. If left untreated, it may get worse over time, leading to anxiety, extensive medical bills, severe depression, and even suicidal thoughts and behavior. That’s why it is important to treat it, which can be done through different methods, such as:
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of psychotherapy that helps individuals challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors related to their appearance.
● Medication: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
● Support Groups: Connecting with others who have BDD can provide emotional support and practical advice.

Kornelia Pacholec
korneliapacholec@gmail.com

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1414653/
https://discoverymood.com/blog/understanding-difference-body-dysmorphia-self-esteem-negative-body-image/
https://www.rosewoodranch.com/adolescents-negative-body-image/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938