How to Identify Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a somatic disorder that refers to an individual's obsessive fixation over an imagined defect in appearance or excessive concerns about slight physical flaws. It is natural for people to be dissatisfied about thier looks, especially when they discover some physical anomalies. Normally, such concerns are fully accepted and do not usually result to a great distress. However, if you suffer from BDD, an issue regarding your appearance is truly a serious matter. Even if you are blessed with good looks, you are still overly concerned about your physical features. Your reactions toward these concerns are negatively extreme that you may suffer from severe obsession, depression and anxiety--which can eventually impair your social, academic and professional functions.

Instructions

• 1

  Think about how often you check your appearance. If you suffer from BDD, you are always concerned about your looks, and you constantly examine yourself in the mirror or in any reflective surfaces you can find. You are doing this because you are totally preoccupied with even the slightest flaws in your appearance. Although these flaws are not noticeable at all, you still consider them as major problems. You always have these imaginary thoughts of being ugly and unattractive, even if you're not.

• 2

  Monitor your reactions toward any small blemishes or marks on your skin. When you have BDD, you are always trying to correct any features you find unappealing. As a result, you may end up doing repetitive and unnecessary things just to appease yourself, such as overdressing to cover your body and skin, continuous grooming, wearing a hat to hide your hair or face and putting on heavy makeup to conceal any existing blemishes on your skin.

• 3

  Take note of how conscious you are about your overall appearance. With BDD, the you not only stop at constantly checking and concealing your looks. Your reactions can later develop to exaggerated compulsions. You'll become compulsive in order to gratify your obsession of fixing your physical flaws. For example, if you finds moles or birthmarks hideous, you can't help but to frequently measure, touch and endlessly pick on the skin just to make them disappear. You may also use unnecessary body gestures just to prevent others from seeing them. Another example is if you believe you are fat, even when you're not, you'll excessively exercises and sometimes ends up starving yourself just to become thinner.

• 4

  Observe how often you avoid doing certain activities that will remind you of your physical flaws. When your BDD gets worse, it may be difficult for you to convince yourself to have your picture taken. You may also keep yourself away from mirrors for fear of seeing your imaginary disfigured face and body. Despite of all these, you'll still continue to search for any type of anomalies all over your body.

• 5

  Note how you frequently isolate yourself from others. As a result of an exaggerated concern about her physical flaws, the BDD patient may end up withdrawing from social situations, where the perceived defects can possibly be noticed by others. You would always be anxious and overly self-conscious when in public, thinking that you are too unpleasant to be seen. Your insecurity is so much that you are always asking for reassurance about your appearance and frequently compares your looks with others. As a result of being so bothered with your defects, you may start having problems concentrating at work or in school. You may also experience problems with your interpersonal or marital relationships.

• 6

  Try to remember the number of times you meet with your dermatologists. Those with BDD repeatedly consults a skin doctor or plastic surgeon about procedures that can help improve the appearance. Even though you are already equipped with a great face and body, you are still persistent about having cosmetic surgeries just to gratify your desires to correct any of the features you find defective. Even after your surgeries, you'll often be dissatisfied with the results and usually blame the surgeon for making your appearance worse than what it was before.