Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Psychology

Recognizing the Symptoms and Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Mar 21, 2007
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Psychology - sxc arinas74

Poor body image can go beyond low body esteem. Body dysmorphic disorder is a psychological issue that involves critical self-perceptions and distorted body images.

In psychology, body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by poor body image, disrupted thought processes, and negative self-perceptions. A distorted view of your appearance is central to body dysmorphic disorder. You think you look fat even though others tell you you’re slim, you constantly tell yourself that you’re ugly, or perhaps you refuse to leave the house without being fully made up and impeccably dressed.

Knowing the symptoms and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder can save your life! Fixing body image problems involves recognizing your negative self-perceptions, then working to overcome them.

“I look like a hideous monster” and “I won’t go outside unless I absolutely have to,” are typical comments of women struggling with body dysmorphic disorder. “I can’t talk to my boyfriend, I can’t trust him, and I’m scared he’ll leave me.” "I'm ugly and fat – nobody could love me the way I am!" When you fix body image problems, you start treating body dysmorphic disorder.

Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Psychology

In addition to a distorted view of your appearance and poor body image, other symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder include obsession with certain physical characteristics (particularly your hair, nose or skin), dissatisfaction with the results of plastic surgery, and uncontrollable negative thoughts about your body or personality.

When you have body dysmorphic disorder, you can’t stop thinking that you’re disfigured or ugly. Fixing body image problems involves changing your though patterns.

How do you know if you have body dysmorphic disorder or you’re simply aware of all aspects of your body – both bad and good? According to the Mayo Clinic and MedicineNet.com, there are several behaviors that could indicate a psychological disorder.

Body dysmorphic disorder can lead to an addiction to plastic surgery.

You may have body dysmorphic disorder if you:

Constantly compare your appearance with others
Refuse to let your picture be taken, or are extremely self-conscious in photos
Keep checking a certain body part that you think is flawed (eg, your nose or belly)
Measure the flaw frequently - this is a huge indicator of body dysmorphic disorder.
Attempt to hide your flaws
Feel anxious and self-conscious around other people
Avoid leaving the house unless you absolutely have to. Body dysmorphic disorder limits your social and love life.
Call yourself names:“hideous”, “ugly”, and “disgusting”
Seek cosmetic surgery: liposuction, rhinoplasty, etc.
Aren’t happy with the results of the cosmetic surgery, even becoming angry with the surgeon

People with body dysmorphic disorder may quit their jobs and refuse to leave their homes. In extreme cases, they consider suicide.

Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder With Cognitive-Behavioral Psychology

This psychological disorder requires treatment. Body dysmorphic disorder doesn't usually go away on its own. Some treatment options are:

First, accept the possibility that you may struggle with body dysmorphic disorder. Fixing body image problems starts with honesty and acceptance.
Talk to a specialist – not necessarily your family doctor or GP. Find an eating disorders counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Even better, find one who specializes in body dysmorphic disorder.
Talk to your friends and family. Attempt to explain how you feel and think; give them the chance to love you. Be open about fixing your body image problems or body dysmorphic disorder.
Treat yourself well. Get enough sleep, eat nutritiously, and exercise regularly
Learn how to direct your thoughts to something else when you starting thinking of yourself as fat or ugly. Fixing body image problems is easier when you think positively about yourself.
Realize that what you hear becomes your belief system. If you were told you’re fat and ugly, then you’ll grow to believe that – regardless of your appearance and weight. Fixing body image problems involves recognizing what you heard in the past and what's true for right now.

Our family, friends, and partners may mislead you into believing you're unlovable the way you are (this is emotional abuse, by the way!). The media, television, magazines, and movies lie to you when they say being skinny, perfect, and gorgeous is the only way to be loved.

Once you value who you are regardless of your skin, nose, weight, or hair – then everything else in your life has the chance to grow. You'll find it easier to fix body image problems when you learn to love yourself for who you are, no matter what you look like.

If you found Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Psychology helpful, read:

Overcoming Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Increasing Self Confidence for Women
5 Tips for Building a Healthy Body Image

Laurie Pawlik Kienlen, Psychology Feature Writer, Bruce Kienlen

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.

Poor Body Image is a Pyschological Issue - sxc ZoofyTheJi

Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder With Psychology - sxc SRBexit.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Body Image Problems - sxc merlin1075

Comments

Feb 6, 2009 2:03 PM

Guest :

I have read all through the eating disorder articles. i have answered yes to all the questions. i knew i had a problem is why i looked eatong disorder up. i hate the way i look and with every emotion i turn to food and hate myself for eating. i feel fat and ugly. the where you feel like your boyfriend cant love you because your to ugly and you dont trust him. that really hit home. how do i get better and love me. im so unhappy. i have thought of suicide. i know thats not the answer but it has crossed my mind. i would never do that i know god and he loves me my life is not mine to take. this web site has really hepled me. this is the first step to my healing. i have body dysmorphic disorder.

Feb 8, 2009 8:38 AM

Guest :

I am a parent of a teenage who has just confided in me that she is always feeling fat and ugly because a number of her friends have made comments of having a big butt during the past few years. Reading this article made me to think that she could be better off by working with a counselor instead of just helping her by myself. I never thought someone so could feel so depressed and start believing those who say hurtful words but do not believe in hundreds who have commented how beautiful she is. I wish I could take those words out of her mind but they are struck to her brain like a strong magnet.

Feb 8, 2009 8:47 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

Unfortunately, even little offhand comments can severely affect a girl's (or even a woman's) body image. And, targeted hurtful comments are even worse.

You can't take those words out of her mind, but you can teach her how to accept criticism without letting it change her self-perception. This is a valuable tool for all people -- we need to be able to hear negative comments without letting our self-esteem plummet.

There are many great resources on the internet to help improve body image -- and I like The Dove Campaign for Realy Beauty. http://www.dove.us/#/CFRB/GirlsOnly/default.aspx/ They offer a great self-esteem program for girls, and it could help your daughter.

Good luck! I'm sorry your teen heard those nasty remarks, but this may be helpful in the long run....because most women deal with body image issues sooner or later...

Laurie

Feb 19, 2009 8:38 PM

Guest :

I believe I have body dysmirphic disorder and it affects so many aspects if my life negatively. I know I need help and I really want help, but counsellors in my area cost too much money. I have no idea how to make this betteror how to heal. I hate the thoughts. What are my options? What can I do?

Feb 20, 2009 6:51 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

It can be very helpful to read books about body image or body dysmorphic disorder - especially those written from a woman's perspective, who struggled with it. Go to your library or bookstore and find the books that resonate with you, that make you feel understood, and that you "get".

And, finding a group of women who struggle with the same issues can be a great way to overcome body image issues. You don't even have to meet in person (though that would be good!) -- even finding a GOOD online support group can be effective. What's a good one? One you don't have to pay for, that offers support and understanding, that helps you achieve your goals and feel better about yourself. I don't have any to recommend offhand, unfortunately, but I have stumbled across blogs and websites that offer great info about body image.

Fixing body image problems is different for everyone, which means you need to try a few different things to find what works for you!

Good luck, and do keep me posted. If you find a good body image site, please do post the info here.

Laurie

Feb 25, 2009 12:48 PM

Jacqueline S. Homan :

What doesn't help matters is when women are denied jobs for being "fat", "old", and "ugly looking." It's hard enough when you've been "left on the shelf" and lost out in the dating and mating game becuase of not being pretty enough, thin enough, with hard-body toned definition and tight abs and belly(regardless of you've had babies or not). How can women and girls feel good about themselves when this is how we're treated in society by everyone else - ranging from prospective employers to men we'd like to date and get intimate with? When you find yourself losing out on job opportunities in favor of thinner, younger, prettier "eye candy"; when you are routinely ridiculed for your weight, when you always lose out in the dating scene to other women who are prettier/younger/thinner that the guy you're seeing dumps you for, or you're ignored and passed over entirely - is negative body image and deppression any kind of surprise here?

Mar 18, 2009 10:29 AM

Guest :

The problem I have with identifying whether or not I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder is that I am conscious of the existence of such a disorder. Knowing it to be a genuine disorder and saying "oh yeah I have that" makes me believe that I can't possibly, truly have said disorder. Just like a person cannot suffer from a Narcissistic Personality Disorder if they actually acknowledge it.

Many of the symptoms hit home, few did not. I'm just quite convinced I simply don't look good.
But also the fact that as a part of a self-help exercise of improving one's self image I listed all my body parts, and then tried to write something positive about them. Anything.
I couldn't think of a single positive thing of any inch of my body, I found a flaw in each and every little patch of self there is to me.

Also, seeking help for BDD feels difficult to me. It feels vain and selfish to go and say "I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder, I need help."
Self-help exercises has proven no help so far. I feel like I'm lying to myself when I tape a "You look great!" post-it to my mirror.

There are three sisters in my family, and none of us are particularly keen on our appearance. I think my sisters look fine, I especially admire my older sister, a mother of two, because I think she looks fabulous even after having been stretched in all directions by pregnancy.
Could the problem simply be in my upbringing. No one can turn back the time, so how to fix the damages?

N.

Mar 18, 2009 11:02 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

Interesting comments! You absolutely CAN be aware of an existence of a condition such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and still struggle with it! Think of women (and men) who struggle with bulimia, alcoholism, schizophrenia, depression - and yes even narcissism....many people are fully aware they have a disorder, but are unwilling or unable to stop it.

I don't understand why it seems vain and selfish to say to someone (such as a counselor), "I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and I need help." How is it vain and selfish to ask for help with something you're struggling with? If you do end up talking to a counselor, this might be something to talk about. For most people, it's very humbling, embarrassing, and even humiliating to admit they have a problem and ask for help. Admitting you're struggling with anything from Body Dysmorphic Disorder to alcoholism to schizophrenia puts you in a vulnerable position.....which is NOT what vain and selfish people do very often.

I've never found the self-help "You look great!" Post-It notes on bathroom mirrors helpful, either. They do seem fake, and they don't work for everyone, that's for sure.

I love that you say your mom looks fabulous even though she's been stretched in all directions by her pregnancy! That shows that there's SO MUCH MORE to being likeable, lovable, and attractive than how you look......it's not your appearance that makes you beautiful. It's who you are.

How to fix the damages that Body Dysmorphic Disorder causes? Accept that you struggle with body image issues. Admit it. Read as much as you can about the topic, and find out if there are workshops or classes you can attend in person.

And, talk to a counselor.

I welcome your thoughts!

Warm regards,
Laurie

Sep 1, 2009 12:40 AM

Guest :

iv'e heard of this disorder before and often wondered if im suffering from this.

since the age of 16/17 i have become obsessed with my looks and feel embarassed of how i look and the way i feel about myself - i feel abnormal and vain. How i feel about myself impacts my love life with my long term partner, i often feel insecure and trust is a big issue. I obsess over a certain body part and have looked into cosmetic surgery. I dont wont to go to tell anyone or visit the doctor in fear of being ridiculed and confused with being self absorbed.

Sep 1, 2009 5:35 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

Hi,

One of the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder is being obsessed with appearance. This isn't vanity, my friend. It's an uncontrollable way of thinking that's really hard to control without getting help! It's similiar to an anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive thinking, where people just can't stop their thoughts. It seems like self-absorption, but it's a little deeper than that.

Remember that if you do ask a doctor or counselor for help, they will not think you're self-absorbed or vain! They'll think you're struggling with body dysmorphic disorder or body image issues, and that you're reaching out for help. Just like someone struggling with any illness. And, if you're worried about what your friends or family think, you don't have to tell them until you're ready.

Often, just coming out and talking about problems makes them less daunting and "big." Secrets or things we're ashamed off becoming much more harmful to us than issues that we talk about openly. The things we hide have power over us. The things we bring out of us lose their grip on us.

I encourage you to get more information, so you don't feel so alone and abnormal! Most women and many men struggle with body image issues, to different degrees. I rounded up several of my most popular body image and body confidence articles in my Psychology blog. You might find them helpful.

Just click on my name in blue at the top of this page, then click on "Read Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right side. Scroll down to "Resources for Body Image and Body Confidence." You can also find it in the August, 2009 list on the side panel.

I wish you all the best, and encourage you to get in-person help.

Laurie

Oct 14, 2009 11:00 AM

Guest :

I agree with Ms. Horman's statement! 100%! While it's all good and great to be "happy with yourself" there's always going to be someone who is better. And it hurts even more when you have to be reminded of that EVERYDAY! When you're the one who's ALWAYS ignored in the presence of prettier and thinner women. The whole thing is really depressing. And you can't talk about it with your friends who are thinner and prettier because they are going to try and make you think you are crazy for having those feelings. When in fact they have no idea what it's like to actually be ugly or fat. They'll say things like "oh but you look great." But yet they wouldn't be caught dead "gaining as much weight as you." So how does that make you feel? Like crap!
You try to have a positive self image no matter how you look, but if you don't fit society's standard of what beautiful is, then basically you're not!

Oct 25, 2009 3:42 AM

Guest :

Not all BDD is related to eating disorders!

Jul 21, 2010 2:22 AM

Guest :

Hi, i have a friend a guy who has a very serious problem. He is not happy with the way he looks and says he has uneven cheeks, uneven teeth, uneven nipples, pimples, an uncomfortable size for his private part, red patches of skin. I communicate with this guy via internet and we have never met and i do not know how to help him, he says he wants to get everything fixed and wont rest until its done, im realy scared for him, pls help me

Oct 24, 2010 5:33 AM

Guest :

ok im 13 and i think i have this disorder i think im ugly badly im fat eveytime i talk a cute boy he dosent say like wow omg ur hot but they say ur cute and i no they lie me i constley compare my selvs with outher i always ask god why i couldnt be pretty i just wish i have self asteem i cant even go out wit a day with out eye liner or mascara

Nov 21, 2010 5:34 PM

Guest :

wow now i know, the bad infulence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Psychology!!!!

May 31, 2011 11:26 AM

Guest :

i am 17 i live in Florida & I
believe i have a BDD. i think my face is ugly & nasty i hate looking in the mirror. my boyfriend & others tell me i'm pretty but i wish they would stop lying to me. i can't even be affectionate towards anyone because how ugly i am. I can't show love to anyone cus i don't love myself. I believe this started when i was in 5th grade, i was overweight then but i have slimmed up & my looks have changed. But i don't feel pretty at all unless i have on a load of make-up. Ive thought of killing myself alot lately, but i don't want to go to hell. i want to get plastic surgery on my face when im old enough, because there isnt anything i like about myself at alll. I just rather not being alive. I'm most comfortable in the shower. Becuase noone can see me at all curtains are closed & i could cry all i want. i just wanna be & feel
pretty so i could love the ones who love me.

Jun 30, 2011 8:13 PM

Guest :

I'm thirteen and I have this disorder. I said yes to every symptom, accept for the ones about plastic surgery because that is just un-natural. I have acne, and any acne cream I have tried makes it worse, I have a bigger chest then most girls I know. people get me down for it, especially my mom. People say I'm ugly and my parents compare me to my best friend. They wish I was more athletic, but I have asthma really bad and it's difficult to work out. My friends say I'm pretty, but I have never had a guy compliment me, or my parents compliment me. When someone says I'm pretty, I can't believe it because I have no self esteem. I have had bulimia and other eating disorders, but they come and go. This article is very helpful, I think I can find the help I need and talk to people about it.

Sep 24, 2011 8:37 PM

Guest :

is this really an actual disease? I don't understand how someone can possibly see something on themselves that isn't there. I HATE everything about how i look, i can't stand it, its the most distressing thing in my life... i have all the 'symptoms' on that list... but i find it hard to believe that iv got a problem in my head thats causing this. I'm horrified with how i look because the truth is ... I AM FAT AND UGLY. Its not that i dont WANT to leave the house with no makeup on... i actually can't do it, because i hate my face and body and no matter how much people tell me im skinny and im pretty i know its all lies because when i look in the mirror i see whats really there, and i have to face it everyday. My friends and family lie, cos their too scared to tell me the truth, who would be that heartless? But i just can't believe this is a true disease, i think its an idea that doctors and other various people made up to comfort people who are ugly and can't bear it anymore. Plastic surgery is the only option i can think of for myself, not physciatry and medication for a disease that doesnt exsist. Hopefully i'll be happy with my results after the surgeries but i have to wait until i'm 18. If im unhappy with the outcome, ill just keep going back untill i am pretty. I wont waste my time trying to treat a disease i dont have with stupid medicines that wont make me look any better. Ill go straight to the root of the problem and fix myself even if i have to have to sell myself, or drugs or whatever to pay for it.

Nov 2, 2011 10:05 AM

Guest :

I think a lot of us think we have flaws we dont like everything about our selfs but i have always hated the way i looked i look in the mirror and i see ugly.I have a son who is one and now i feel worst about myself i feel fat and ugly everyone tells me im not but thats not what i see in the mirror even when i was pregnant i fell horrible wouldnt go out much and cried everytime i would look at myself i felt like no one will like me and that my babys dad would leave me because im fat.... I know we all have something we dislike about our selfs but i think i point out my flaws every second of every minute.
I dont know what to do if i consult a doctor i feel like they are going to think im crazy

Feb 29, 2012 8:02 PM

Guest :

So just learned I have this. My whole life I have hated myself. & I always do all of those symptoms! I found out I had this disorder when the thought of being bulimic became an option for me.

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