Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health disorder characterized by extreme preoccupation with appearance that causes an individual personal distress in the presence of minimal or no physical defects. It is commonly considered to be an obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder based on distinct similarities it shares with obsessive-compulsive disorder. BDD is related to an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it is often misdiagnosed. The following are some key details about BDD:
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Positive and Negative: BDD is characterized by both positive and negative self-esteem factors. The positive self-esteem factor is defined by five positively worded items, while the negative self-esteem factor is defined by negatively worded items.
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Ingredients or Materials: There are no specific ingredients or materials associated with BDD.
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Types: There are two subtypes of BDD: muscle dysmorphia and non-muscle dysmorphia. Muscle dysmorphia is when an individual thinks their body is not big or muscular enough, and they may exercise excessively, count calories, wear more clothes to appear bulkier, strictly monitor their diet, or have a rigid eating schedule. Non-muscle dysmorphia is when an individual is preoccupied with a perceived defect or flaw in their physical appearance that is either not noticeable or only slightly observable by others.
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Treatment: BDD is treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for BDD, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medication.
