Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questions Answered

We currently know that patients who suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder have an irrational obsession with their physical appearance. These people are fearful of what others may think about their physical appearance and are constantly paranoid about it. They view themselves as ugly, obese, and even deformed. As sad as this disorder is, it is often underdiagnosed. Reason being is that Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) shares many similarities with other psychological disorders and conditions. Adolescents with this disorder take part in obsessive behaviors that are linked with extreme anxiety, such as picking at skin, insomnia, trouble focusing, social withdrawal, and even suicidal thoughts. Since these behaviors are also prevalent in other psychological disorder and conditions such as depression, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. the disorder is often overlooked and therefore not diagnosed. BDD was first described in 1886 by Enrico Morselli, an Italian psychiatrist. Morselli originally referred to this disorder as “Dysmorphophobia”. He noted that patients had impulsive fears about being deformed followed by anxiety. Granted, it was not until 1987 that Body Dysmorphic Disorder was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The onset of BDD typically begins around the early adolescent years although it can sometimes be observed around mid-late childhood. Those who suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder can find themselves spending two to eight hours per day trying to modify the flaws they see in themselves. The will partake in a series of behaviors to either observe themselves or modify themselves. Such behaviors may include taking pictures, frequently looking at mirrors, changing their clothes and hair often, exercising, and dieting. BDD is classified as a somatoform disorder due to the obsession with somatic complaints and exaggerated believes about their own bodies. The treatment options available for BDD are antidepressants with a...