Body dysmorphia, or body dysmorphic disorder, represents one’s feelings of insecurity and discomfort about their appearance. Read this article to learn more about body dysmorphia, including its characteristics, symptoms, risk factors, and more!
Characteristics
According to the Mayo Clinic, body dysmorphia is a mental health disorder that causes one to think about the perceived defects or flaws in their appearance. These flaws are usually minor and cannot be seen by others, but cause one to feel ashamed and anxious, trying to avoid social situations. The distress and anxiety caused by body dysmorphia impact one’s ability to function in their daily life.
Symptoms
Below is a list of the possible symptoms or signs of body dysmorphia (According to the Mayo Clinic):
Being extremely preoccupied with a perceived flaw in appearance that to others can’t be seen, or appears minor
A strong belief that you have a defect in your appearance that makes you ugly or deformed
The belief that others take special notice of your appearance in a negative way
Attempting to hide perceived flaws with styling, makeup, or clothes
Constantly comparing your appearance with others
Having perfectionist tendencies
Avoiding social situations
Risk factors
Body dysmorphia affects both males and females and usually starts in the early teenage years. Certain factors such as negative life experiences, societal pressure, expectations of beauty, etc. may increase the risk of developing body dysmorphia.
Causes
The specific causes of body dysmorphia are unknown, but research suggests that it may be caused by a combination of issues such as a family history of the disorder, abnormalities in the brain, and negative evaluations or experiences about one’s body or self-image.
We hope this article helped you learn more about body dysmorphia! Thanks for reading!
Written by: Benetta Wang
Sources:
“Body Dysmorphic Disorder - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938.
“What Causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?” Mind, the Mental Health Charity - Help for Mental Health Problems, www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd/causes. Accessed 25 June 2021.
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