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Do you have a lot of worry and anxiety about your appearance? Does it cause problems in your everyday life? Help is available.
Body dysmorphic disorder, also known as dysmorphophobia, is a psychiatric diagnosis where a person has a lot of anxiety about certain parts of their body or appearance being defective or abnormal, even though there is no evidence that this is the case. It can be such an intense feeling that it affects the person’s daily life and functioning. Dysmorphophobia occurs in about 2% of the adult population.
It is still not clear why some people develop body dysmorphic disorder, however, both genetic and environmental factors play a role. For example, values in the childhood environment may contribute, such as a significant focus on appearance. Societal messages can also influence development. You may also have experienced bullying that focused on the body in different ways. This can lead to self-criticism and fear. Individuals may also develop perfectionism and focus on details of their appearance in a compulsive way.
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Body dysmorphic disorder can significantly impact your life. It can make you withdraw from things you want to do in life, thus reducing your quality of life. Help is available.
Having body dysmorphic disorder can be very distressing and can take up a lot of your time. For example, you may worry about the appearance of your skin, the shape of your facial parts or how much hair you have on your body. The symptoms must be present for at least six months to receive a diagnosis. Here are some common symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder:
Many people with body dysmorphic disorder also have other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Isolation at home is common and suicidal thoughts may develop. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. Body dysmorphic disorder can be treated.
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Psychological treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is common for body dysmorphic disorder, but antidepressant medication is also often used. It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder in order to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Treatment with CBT can help you:
Body dysmorphic disorder is not something you need to deal with on your own. Talking to a professional therapist or psychologist can not only help you understand your condition better but also offer effective methods to overcome your concerns. You are not alone, it is okay to ask for help. On our website, we have qualified therapists and licensed psychologists who are happy to help you.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphic disorder, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional therapist or psychologist. We assure you that all therapists and psychologists on our platform are qualified and that your conversation is always confidential. Don’t be afraid to take the first step.
Living with body dysmorphic disorder can be a daily struggle but there is help available. With the right support and tools, you can significantly improve your quality of life. If you are ready to take the plunge, we are here to support you. Book your first session today and start your journey towards a better future.
Dysmorphophobia, or body dysmorphic disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis where a person is very concerned that certain parts of their body or appearance are defective or abnormal, even though there is no evidence that this is the case.
A diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder is usually made by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist through various tests and assessments. This may include questionnaires and clinical interviews.
There may be a genetic component but it is not the only factor. Environment, social values and upbringing also play a role.
The most common symptoms are preoccupation with the details of one’s appearance, which causes severe anxiety. Individuals may avoid people and events, and try to change their appearance.
Treatment can include medication, such as SSRIs, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be particularly effective.
With the right treatment, the symptoms can be managed and quality of life can be significantly improved.
Yes, it can affect children and teenagers. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible for the best possible treatment outcome.
About 2% of the population is estimated to have some form of body dysmorphic disorder.
Yes, in severe cases, body dysmorphic disorder can lead to difficulty at work. However, it is possible to return to normal functioning with proper treatment.
Unlike caring about how you look, body dysmorphic disorder is a major preoccupation that is compulsive and often leads to significant suffering.
Many people with body dysmorphic disorder also have other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists working with CBT who can help you feel better if you have mild to moderate symptoms. If you have more severe symptoms, you can contact your healthcare center to get a referral to a specialist psychiatrist. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 911, call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.
Seeking help is a big step towards better health. It’s a positive thing to decide to take control of how you feel. Here is an overview of the steps of CBT treatment.
The first meeting with your psychologist or therapist is an assessment to review your mental and physical health. Your therapist may questions about your life situation, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. You may also complete assessment forms.
This is where you and your therapist set concrete goals for the therapy, both short and long term.
It can identify which areas of your life are most affected by your wellbeing and how you would like to change them.
This is the start of the actual treatment phase, which involves exercises aimed at giving you tools to overcome and work through your concerns.
Treatment is monitored regularly to see how well the therapy is working. If necessary, the treatment plan can be adjusted.
As the therapy comes to an end, it is time to reflect on the progress made. You will also receive a maintenance plan for how to use the tools and strategies you have learned in the future. It is also important to monitor your results over time.
If you or someone close to you is looking for professional help, don’t hesitate to book a session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists. Together, we can make the difficult easier.