ISSUES
: Body Confidence
Chapter 1: Body Image
10
What is the typical course of
BDD?
BDD usually begins in late
adolescence (16–18 years). However,
milder symptoms of BDD often
precede this from about the age of
12–14. However, it may take up to 15
years before presentation to mental
health professionals.
What causes BDD?
There has been very little research into
BDD, which urgently needs funding
so that we can understand it fully and
develop better treatments.
There may be a genetic predisposition
or vulnerability to the disorder, which
would make a person more likely to
develop BDD in certain situations.
Thus some people with BDD may
have a relative with BDD, OCD or
depression. Thus poor attachment
to a carer and certain stresses during
adolescence such as teasing, bullying
or abuse may make the person more
vulnerable.
For some, perfectionism may be a
factor but it is not generally true of
people with BDD. They may, however,
appreciate aesthetics more in their
self or others and have had training or
interest in art or design.
Once BDD has started, it is
maintained by the way a person
judges themselves almost exclusively
by their ‘felt impression’ or what
they see in a mirror. This image may
be like a ghost from the past, for
example, when they were teased
or rejected. The person with BDD
may fear being alone and isolated
all their life or being worthless. Once
the disorder has developed it can be
maintained by excessive self-focus,
rumination, avoidance behaviours,
and excessive checking, comparison
and reassurance seeking.
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The above information is
reprinted with kind permission
from the Body Dysmorphic
Disorder Foundation. Please
visit
for further information.
© Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Foundation 2016
Ten signs that you have
body dysmorphia and 15
things to fix it
What’s all the fuss about?
We are all guilty of spending a little
too long in front of the mirror; whether
that be in the bathroom, a compact
you take with you everywhere or even
a quick check in the car mirror/shop
window.
Everyone has slight issues with their
appearance and feeling constantly
satisfied with ourselves isn’t easy.
We all have those days when our hair
simply won’t do what we tell it to or
somehow overnight a huge spot (or
two, or three) appears on your cheek
right before an event. Many of us will
occasionally feel dissatisfied, which
is OK, and totally normal; however,
these concerns don’t cause extreme
distress or completely occupy our
thoughts. For some people however,
said mirror checking becomes a
habitual obsession with each and
every perceived flaw, leading them
to have regular, distressing thoughts.
This behaviour, though mostly
unheard of, yet relatively common, is
called body dysmorphia.
Body dysmorphia can lead to distress,
social anxiety, depression, self-harm
and in some cases, suicide. Flaw
checking can range in number and
severity, be that worrying about the
size or your nose, height, or aspiring to
a certain body shape. Many of these
hang ups are so small and barely
noticeable (if at all) to others; however,
sufferers of body dysmorphia don’t
see it that way. Many examine and
obsess with their imperfections until
it magnifies, leaving a distorted and
unforgiving perception that others
simply don’t see. How we feel about
our appearance is really important as
it can affect our mood, our behaviour
and our self-esteem.
Body dysmorphia comes as no
surprise with the ever increasing rise
in cultural and societal pressures to
achieve physical perfection. Before
the times of ‘the selfie’ you could only
take a photograph with an old school
film camera that your parents would
always bring out on your birthday;
with a single shot, a blinding flash and
a quick hope for the best, the photo
was taken and there was no going
back (to anyone who has dared take
a disposable to a festival – you can
relate).
Nowadays, selfies have taken over;
allowing us the freedom to take and
view as many photos as we need until
we find that perfect profile picture.
However, we can also delete those
that didn’t quite make the cut, and use
apps and features that ‘help’ us to edit
and tweak any imperfections, which
are all tools that makes us believe
we’re not good enough. It also raises
the playing field, as more people use
editing apps – it becomes a very
distorted reality.
Body dysmorphia can range in
severity, and for some, can seriously
affect their lives. Below are some
signs to spot if you or a friend/
family member is suffering with this
condition.
Ten signs that you may have
body dysmorphia
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You ask people if you look OK
a lot: more often than not, it’s
because you’re seeking validation
from other people. It may feel
good when they compliment you,
but over a long period of time
it’s a really dangerous pattern
of behaviour and will become
increasingly compulsive.
Ö
You desperately want to meet
a boyfriend or a girlfriend:
sometimes people define their
own value by their relationship
status. Being single can be
a stressful situation as it can
validate the bad feelings that
somebody may have about
themselves – “nobody wants me”
or “I’m not good enough”. To be in
a relationship is to temporarily feel
validated or desired.
