Body dysmorphic disorder ( BDD), previously known as dysmorphophobia or “imagined ugliness,” is a chronic mental illness that was formally recognized and recorded as a disorder in 1987 in the DSM III R (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition). It is defined as preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance that causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is markedly excessive.
Dysmorphic
The face is often the focus of concern with some common preoccupations being that the nose is too long or the eyes are too close together. Reassurance from other people has little effect becuase the defect persistently exists in the mind of the beholder. People with BDD often seek cosmetic surgery, which usually makes the problem worse. Dr. Sigmund Freud, the well-known neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis, had a famous Russian patient, Sergei Pankejeff, who would today be diagnosed with BDD. He had a preoccupation with his nose to such an extent that it greatly limited his functioning.
Disorder
The course of BDD is chronic, with the level of concern waxing and waning over time. There is a high degree of co-morbidity with other psychiatric disorders like major depression, social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder. Ideas of reference, or the concern that others are staring at them or talking about them, are common. Some people may spend hours checking their appearances in the mirror; conversely, some will avoid any reflecting surface for fear of seeing their deformity. In a minority of patients, the concern becomes a delusion (a fixed false belief).
The prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder in the general population is unknown; It typically starts in the mid to late teens, and it is equally common in adult females and males.
Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder is often successful. However, it can be difficult, especially if the patient is not a willing and active participant of the care plan. The ideal treatment is the combination of psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy can help people learn about their condition, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Using the insight and knowledge gained in psychotherapy, patients can learn to stop automatic negative thoughts and to see themselves in a more realistic and positive way. People can also learn healthy ways to handle urges or rituals such as mirror checking.
Ana C Posada Diaz, MD Psychiatrist