Understanding Body Image Disorder

Body Image Disorder, or Body Dysmorphic Disorder, is a specific type of somatoform disorder which involves a preoccupation with an imaginary or exaggerated physical defect to the point of obsession. Many individuals diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder go to great lengths to change the issues they have with their appearance. While some defects may be changed enough with simple measures that the individual can take themselves, many resort to plastic surgery and some do so multiple times.

Causes of Body Image Disorder

As a somatoform disorder, the symptoms suggest a medical condition. However, medical evaluation of an individual diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder does not reveal any underlying medical cause for the symptoms. 

The following is a list of factors that researchers consider to be involved in the development of or in combination with Body Dysmorphic Disorder:

• Inadequate Serotonin level
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Bulimia Nervosa.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Socioeconomic Factors
• Strict Cultural Standards

How To Diagnosis Body Image Disorder

The only way to properly diagnose Body Dysmorphic Disorder is by taking the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ) or by participating in a Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination (BDDE) issued by a psychiatrist or psychologist.  While you should not self diagnose yourself, the following are examples of the questions asked in both the questionnaire and examination:

• Does the individual seem preoccupied with their appearance during the visit?
• How uncomfortable or self-conscious does the individual feel in public?
• When questioned on self-worth, does the individual focus on their appearance over other characteristics?
• Does the individual avoid physical contact and/or socially active environments?
• In comparison to others, how much time and money does the individual put towards grooming and clothing.
• Does the individual seek constantly reassurance about their appearance and/or check their appearance in the mirror often?

Treatments For Body Image Disorder

Depending on the severity of the condition and the choices made by the individual and the psychiatrist or psychologist, there are two methods of treatment that are most often used in conjunction with one another.

Medical Treatments

• Antidepressants (SSRIs) – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, a form of antidepressant is commonly prescribed to those with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. This form of medication often alleviates many of the symptoms associated with this somatoform disorder making it much more manageable.
• Behavioral Therapy – By working with a trained professional, an individual with Body Dysmorphic Disorder is taught how to replace the negative self-image they possess with a more positive view while putting the focus on their view over others. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy incorporates in session treatment with assignments that the individual needs to take on their own, such as a reduction in the amount of time and money spent on grooming, clothing, and looking in the mirror.

Self Treatments

• Don’t skip medication or therapy – Every step you take forward through these methods can be significantly set back by missing either form of treatment. Commitment to the treatment is a necessity to solving the problem.
• Develop a support structure – Whether it be family or friends, an individual going through this type of disorder and seeking treatment is going to need support and reassurance to progress. The effect that this support structure can have is significantly increased if they are knowledgeable about the disorder.