Body Dysmorphia Symptoms
Folks get diagnosed with BDD if they meet the following criteria, based on the DMS-5:
- A preoccupation with a perceived flaw and subsequent intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours
- The preoccupation with a perceived flaw impairs someone’s quality of life
- The preoccupation is not better aligned with an alternative diagnosis, such as anorexia nervosa
The most common perceived flaws folks have are on their nose, face or hair.
BDD Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing BDD include:
- Relatives living with BDD
- Living with OCD of other psychiatric conditions
- Negative life experiences (ex. trauma)
- Certain personality traits (ex. perfectionism)
Folks living with BDD physically see their perceived flaw. This is because their brain processes information differently which impacts how they actually see themselves. For example, if someone living with BDD believes their nose is too large, when they look in the mirror, they will physically see their nose as being large even when those around them do not.
Approximately 2% of the population is diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder, but it is often underdiagnosed.
Body Dysmorphia vs. Eating Disorders
The main difference between BDD and eating disorders is that folks living with eating disorders have a preoccupation with weight, shape, and food, while folks with BDD have preoccupations that are centred around a specific, perceived appearance ‘defect’. With an eating disorder diagnosis, a person will have irregular eating patterns, whereas in BDD a person will typically not. Folks living with BDD may perform compulsions related to their ‘defect’ of concern and seek out cosmetic procedures.
Let us help.
Our team helps folks living across Canada who are struggling with body dysmorphic disorder.
You may or may not meet the criteria for a formal BDD diagnosis. That doesn’t mean you aren’t suffering and aren’t worthy of help. Our team of dietitians and therapists see patients regardless of their diagnosis. Book a free call today to find out how we can help.
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