Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder involving a disturbed body image. Body Dysmorphic disorder is generally diagnosed of those who are extremely critical of their physique or self image, despite the fact there may be no noticeable disfigurement or defect; individuals secluding themselves from social interaction, often avoiding seeing themselves through a mirror or reflection.
Diagnostic criteria (DSM-IV-TR)
The DSM-IV-TR, the latest version of the diagnostic manual of the American Psychiatric Association, lists three (3) necessary criteria for a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder:
- Preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If a slight physical anomaly is present, the person’s concern is markedly excessive.
- The preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
- The preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., dissatisfaction with body shape and size in anorexia nervosa).
BDD and other disorders
Note that, according to the DSM criteria, a BDD diagnosis cannot be made if another disorder accounts for the preoccupation with a perceived defect. For instance, people who worry excessively about their weight are not considered to have BDD if this preoccupation is accounted for by an eating disorder.
Body dysmorphic disorder is also considered to be different from gender identity disorder and transsexualism, even though the desire to modify one’s body is also reflected in people who are judged to have these disorders. Some paraphilias also involve a wish to modify one’s body. For example, people with apotemnophilia are convinced that a part of their body needs to be amputated.
In the medical community, some make links between BDD and obsessive-compulsive disorder because there are some similarities between these disorders. For instance, obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are common symptoms of both disorders.
Forms of body dysmorphia
- Muscle dysmorphia
- Seeing oneself as too fat, often resulting in anorexia, bulimia, or exercise bulimia
- Obsessing about the perceived ugliness of a facial feature or body part
External links
- Mental Health Matters: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Psych Forums: Body Dysmorphic Forum
- BDD Central
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Research
Adapted from Wikipedia by Jennifer Kirk
Latest comments