05-June-2023

The Invisible Struggle - The Psychology of Body Dysmorphia

Body dysmorphia, a perplexing disorder, is believed to impact roughly 1-2% of the general population, although the veritable prevalence may be greater due to underreporting and misdiagnosis. This enigmatic condition, which is more pervasive in women than in men, typically arises during adolescence or early adulthood.

It is of paramount importance to discuss body dysmorphia, as it can have a profound impact on one's mental health and overall well-being. The deleterious effects of this ailment are many, including but not limited to low self-esteem, social isolation, and challenges in relationships and work. Moreover, this disorder can co-occur with other mental health afflictions such as depression and anxiety, further exacerbating the negative outcomes.

Comprehending body dysmorphia and the havoc it can wreak is the first step in facilitating individuals' efforts to acquire appropriate treatment and support. Increasing awareness and diminishing the stigma surrounding this condition is crucial, as is providing accurate information about the available treatment options.

Understanding Body Dysmorphia

Body dysmorphia, a mentally perplexing disorder also known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is marked by an unrelenting preoccupation with one's physical appearance, which culminates in distressing thoughts and feelings about their perceived flaws, and may have a significant impact on their daily functioning.

Symptoms of body dysmorphia are not uniformly severe, but often include excessive grooming or hyper-vigilant checking of one's appearance in mirrors or other reflective surfaces, compulsive seeking of reassurance regarding their looks, and undertaking behaviours such as skin picking or cosmetic procedures with the goal of improving their appearance. People with body dysmorphia may also avoid social situations or activities that they fear may highlight their flaws.

While the ethology of body dysmorphia is not wholly understood, research posits that an amalgamation of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors may contribute to its development. Those with a family history of body dysmorphia or other mental health disorders may be more vulnerable to the condition. Moreover, traumatic life events such as bullying or emotional abuse may also play a role in its development.

The impact of social media on body dysmorphia is increasingly worrisome. Social media platforms often propagate unrealistic and idealized standards of beauty, inciting individuals to compare themselves to others and feel unhappy with their appearance. Social media use has been connected to body dissatisfaction and may exacerbate symptoms of body dysmorphia in susceptible individuals.

Despite some similarities to eating disorders, body dysmorphia is a distinct disorder. Eating disorders typically entail a fixation on body weight or shape, whereas body dysmorphia focuses on perceived flaws in specific body parts. Nonetheless, people with body dysmorphia may also display signs of eating disorders, such as restrictive eating or compulsive exercising, leading to a dual diagnosis.

Effects of Body Dysmorphia

The deleterious effects of body dysmorphia on mental health and overall well-being are considerable. Those suffering from this condition may experience profound feelings of low self-esteem, shame, and social isolation due to their preoccupation with their appearance. The impact of body dysmorphia on mental health is well-documented, with research revealing elevated rates of depression and anxiety among individuals with this condition compared to the general population. In severe cases, body dysmorphia may even lead to suicidal ideation or attempts.

Aside from mental health concerns, body dysmorphia can significantly impact relationships, work, and other aspects of daily life. Individuals with body dysmorphia may avoid social situations or activities that may draw attention to their perceived physical flaws, resulting in social isolation and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships. Furthermore, body dysmorphia can also have a negative impact on work performance, with affected individuals taking excessive sick days or struggling to concentrate due to their preoccupation with their appearance.

In addition to these adverse impacts, body dysmorphia can also be financially costly. People with body dysmorphia may spend exorbitant amounts of money on cosmetic procedures, treatments, or clothing to improve their appearance. These expenses can quickly add up and lead to significant financial strain.

Treatment Options

The management of body dysmorphia, a multifaceted and often challenging condition, requires the employment of various therapeutic modalities that aim to alleviate the subjective experience of distress and dysfunction that individuals with this disorder face. Psychotherapy, which represents the cornerstone of treatment for body dysmorphia, encompasses a diverse array of therapeutic interventions that have been empirically demonstrated to be effective in mitigating the deleterious effects of this condition.

One of the most commonly used therapeutic approaches in the management of body dysmorphia is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapeutic modality operates under the premise that the beliefs, attitudes, and cognitions individuals have regarding their appearance significantly impact their emotional and behavioural responses to perceived physical imperfections. In essence, CBT attempts to restructure distorted beliefs and maladaptive thinking patterns, replacing them with more realistic and functional cognitions. As a part of CBT, exposure therapy, which involves gradual exposure to stimuli that elicit anxiety or discomfort related to body image, may be employed to reduce anxiety, and enhance acceptance of one's appearance.

Another therapeutic intervention that has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of body dysmorphia is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This therapeutic approach is grounded in the principles of mindfulness and acceptance, with an emphasis on the development of psychological flexibility and the promotion of valued action in the presence of negative emotions. ACT posits that by accepting rather than suppressing or avoiding distressing thoughts and feelings, individuals can develop the skills necessary to navigate the inevitable challenges that arise from living with body dysmorphia.

In addition to psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy may be employed in the management of body dysmorphia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and depression, have shown promising results in reducing the severity of symptoms associated with body dysmorphia. However, medication should not be viewed as a standalone intervention and should be used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Furthermore, self-help strategies such as mindfulness techniques and support groups may also be effective in managing the symptoms of body dysmorphia. These approaches can provide individuals with a sense of community, validation, and practical coping strategies for dealing with the distress and impairment associated with body dysmorphia.

Final thoughts

As contemporary society strives to embrace unique beauty and celebrate individuality through the tenets of body positivity and self-love, it becomes increasingly important to acknowledge that these empowering mantras may seem elusive and unattainable for individuals with body dysmorphia. This complex and multifaceted mental health condition manifests as an obsessive and all-consuming fixation on perceived flaws in one's appearance, resulting in devastating consequences on an individual's emotional and social functioning.

To effectively address this pervasive issue, it is crucial to understand the various treatment options available. Among the most effective modalities are cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which have proven to be valuable tools in treating body dysmorphia through dismantling negative self-talk and beliefs surrounding one's appearance and emphasizing the acceptance of uncomfortable emotions and the pursuit of personal values beyond appearance, respectively.

In conjunction with psychotherapy, medication can also be used as a complementary treatment to alleviate symptoms of body dysmorphia. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have shown promise in reducing anxiety and depression associated with the disorder when used in combination with psychotherapy.

Moreover, self-help strategies and support groups can be powerful adjuncts to professional treatment. Mindfulness practices, for instance, can help individuals stay present and cultivate self-compassion, while support groups provide a sense of community and offer practical advice for coping with symptoms.