Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a fancy term for the poor opinion that some people have of their bodies, when their bodies are in fact just fine — maybe even beautiful.
Some clues that you might have Body Dysmorphic Disorder are:
- You attempt to cover up your perceived “ugly body part” — such as your eyes, ears, nose, skin, chin, or jaw — with makeup or excessive clothing
- You constantly ask your close relatives or friends “How do I look?” or “Don’t I look fat?”
- You avoid social situations or social contact because of fear or anxiety over your perceived “ugly body part”
For skin and finger-picker who may suffer from BSD, the tragedy is compounded:
- You pick your fingers to supposedly smooth “imperfections” of the fingernails or cuticles, which…
- …only results in more damage, which…
- …then results in more of the same shame and self-loathing that caused the picking in the first place
Its truly a vicious circle.
Not surprisingly, statistics on sufferers of BSD show that the number 1 location of poor self-image is….[drum roll]…. the skin! Hair comes in a close second (as does trichotillomania in the spectrum of Body Dysmorphic Disorders).
Treatments for Body Dysmorphic Disorder include:
- Antidepressant drugs
- Medications or natural remedies to even out serotonin levels
- Cognitive behavioral therapy