What is Body Dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is characterized by a distorted perception of body image. Oftentimes, body dysmorphia coexists with other eating disorders. In fact, many patients struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder also exhibit symptoms of body dysmorphia.
It can be a dark and lonely world for those struggling with body dysmorphia, as perceived flaws in appearance are overwhelmingly exaggerated and it can interfere with social relationships and everyday life. As a result, individuals with body dysmorphia often face deep emotional turmoil, shame, and low self-esteem.
Take the body dysmorphia quiz
It’s crucial for individuals to analyze their lives honestly if they think that they have body dysmorphia. Take our short online quiz to see how you may be feeling.
Concerned you or a loved one are living with body dysmorphic disorder?
Take our body dysmorphia signs and symptoms quiz to determine if you should seek help.
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Recognizing Body Dysmorphia Symptoms
While some individuals seek body dysmorphia treatment on their own, many do not. Because of that, it’s beneficial for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of body dysmorphia. Often, individuals living with body dysmorphia tend to:
- Become consumed with persistent, intrusive thoughts about undesired physical traits, such as the size of their nose, acne, minor scars and moles. These thoughts arise at any time and without warning.
- No matter how hard they try, individuals have trouble changing or stopping the train of thoughts.
- The thoughts can affect their quality of life and cause so much distress that they can’t maintain school or work performance and don’t engage at social gatherings.
- In severe cases, some individuals refuse to leave the house.
- Develop repetitive behaviors that consume three hours or more of their days.
- Skin picking, excessive grooming and makeup use, seeking cosmetic procedures and needing reassurance from others.
- Spend too much time in front of the mirror, while others avoid them completely.
Body Dysmorphia Causes
Researchers and mental health specialists haven't pinpointed one specific cause of body dysmorphia. Instead, a combination of factors can contribute, which further highlights the importance of personalized body dysmorphia treatment.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Experiencing body shaming or being teased as a child
- Biological and genetic factors
- Low levels of serotonin
Biological and genetic factors make seeking professional body dysmorphia treatment essential. For instance, a small percentage of individuals have close family members who also live with body dysmorphia. Also, researchers have discovered that some people with body dysmorphic disorder have low levels of serotonin. BDD treatments that involve medications which increase serotonin levels can relieve symptoms.
Finally, brain function is a complex factor in the development of body dysmorphia. Individuals who require body dysmorphia treatment often hyper focus on details and perceived distortions Researchers are still trying to determine whether these factors are a cause or result of the disorder, though.
Body Dysmorphia Treatment
We are a team that consists of the most compassionate and knowledgeable staff of mental health professionals such as nutritionists, therapists, and psychiatrists at Eating Disorder Solutions. We give you the tools, support, and motivation to take your life back and start a new life journey.
Our multidisciplinary treatment sets Eating Disorder Solutions apart from other facilities. We understand the need for comprehensive care, which is why we’re one of the few treatment centers that offer residential body dysmorphia treatment in Texas.
Our initial evaluation will help doctors recommend a program that best fits the client’s needs. We offer a full continuum of care depending on the severity of the client’s body dysmorphia. Every treatment plan promotes long-term healing and recovery, not only focusing on the symptoms of the eating disorder, but the client’s mind, body and soul.
Whether individuals are in residential treatment, PHP or IOP, our team provides a range of evidence-based services to support long-term recovery. The combination of services ensures that our programs meet every need and address all underlying issues of eating disorders. We make sure to provide individualized treatment to all of our clients, taking into consideration their specific needs, wants, and comfort levels. Please click the links above to learn more about our treatment plans at Eating Disorder Solutions.
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The Impact of Body Dysmorphia if Left Untreated
- Exponentially decreases the quality of life.
- Deterioration in relationships, school, and work performance.
- Low sense of self-esteem can lead to vulnerability to addiction, eating disorders, and even unnecessary surgeries.
- Feelings of social isolation and depression.
- Suicide, as this disorder greatly increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
Start your recovery today
If you’ve noticed the signs and symptoms of body dysmorphia in yourself or a loved one, treatment is necessary and recovery is possible. Seeking treatment for body dysmorphia takes a lot of courage, and at Eating Disorder Solutions we understand this can be an intimidating step to take. We are here to help every step along the way, from the initial diagnosis, insurance coverage, treatment planning and the intake process.
Don’t let this disorder control your life any longer. Seek body dysmorphia treatment in Texas by contacting Eating Disorder Solutions to take your first step toward recovery.