Body dysmorphic support groups
Online Support Groups – BDDF
Support groups can play an important role during and after treatment in helping you recover from and manage your BDD and often they also include family members too.
You can access our online support groups from anywhere in the world. We hope the online groups will help build a supportive BDD Community that anyone can become a part of. Please note the time zones of the different groups.
All the support groups the we advertise here are independent of the BDD Foundation.
1. Zoom BDD Support Group (UK based but open to all)
Type: User led. The group will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support.
When: 2nd & 4th Monday of every Month. 6.30-8pm GMT.
Upcoming dates 2022: 7th November, 21st November, 12th December.
Upcoming dates 2023: 9th & 23rd January, 13th & 27th February, 13th & 27th March, 10th & 24th April, 8th & 22nd May, 12th & 26th June, 10th & 24th July, 14th & 28th August, 11th & 25th September, 9th & 23rd October, 13th & 27th November, 11th December.
Where: On Zoom (camera use optional)
Contact: [email protected] to register
2. Skype Daytime BDD Support Group with OCD Action (Skype, landline or mobile)
Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead. As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having BDD and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 1st Wednesday of every Month, 11am
Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
3. Zoom Day BDD Support Group run by OCD Action
Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Zoom (video use optional).
As we send the call out – there are no costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having BDD and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 3rd Wednesday of every Month, 11am
Where: Zoom
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
4. Skype Evening BDD Support Group run by OCD Action (Skype, landline or mobile)
Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead. As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having BDD and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every Month, 7pm
Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
5. Zoom Evening BDD Support Group run by OCD Action
Type: This Zoom group is run by OCD Actions ‘Always Better Together project’ and uses Zoom meetings with video. The group is for any members of the BDD Evening Skype/Phone Support Group who wish to use video instead. We send the meeting details out and there are no costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having BDD and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every Month, 7pm
Where: Zoom (camera use optional)
Contact: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.
co.uk or 0303 040 1112
6. Still the Hunger – Professionally Led Zoom Support Group with an EMDR focus
Type: This support group has a specific EMDR focus to it. That means there will always be an EMDR based exercise to try that you will be able to take away and apply for yourself on a day to day basis to help with managing anxiety and BDD symptoms. You will be able to find out more about EMDR, along with being able to ask any other questions about other options so you can make an informed choice if you’re at the start of your recovery journey. This group can provide a safe space to provide support whilst on that journey, and beyond. This group is open to anybody affected by BDD, including partners, parents, and other family members supporting a loved one with BDD. Open to all ages, but for those under the age of 16 we ask that you come accompanied by an adult.
When: 2nd Saturday of every Month, 3.30 – 5pm
Where: Zoom
Contact: If you would like to join this group please email beverley@stillthehunger.
co.uk
Website: www.stillthehunger.co.uk
7. Skype
Parents BDD Support Group run by OCD Action (Skype, landline or mobile)Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead. As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having a child with BDD and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 3rd Tuesday of every Month, 7pm
Where: Skype, Landline or Mobile (audio only)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
8. Zoom Parents BDD Support Group run by OCD Action
Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Zoom (camera use optional).
It is free to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of having a child with BDD and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 1st Tuesday of every Month, 7pm
Where: Zoom (camera use optional)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
9.
Student Group, OCD, BDD & Related Disorders run by OCD ActionThe student group package includes two monthly support group sessions, a quarterly Navigating Services session and a quarterly Speaker Session.
When: First Tuesday and third Wednesday, 7pm
Where: Zoom (camera use optional)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
10.
Partners of people with OCD/BDD run by OCD ActionType: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead.
As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment for family members of a person with OCD, BDD & Hoarding issues to share experiences and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: Second and fourth Thursday, 7pm
Where: Skype, Landline or Mobile (audio only)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
11. Skype Trichotillomania & Dermatillomania Support Group run by OCD Action
Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead. As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Dermatillomania (skin picking) issues and to offer encouragement to others.
The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 3rd Wednesday of every Month, 7pm
Where: Skype, Landline or Mobile (audio only)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
12. Zoom Trichotillomania & Dermatillomania Support Group run by OCD Action
Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and Zoom. As we send the call out – there are no costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences of Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Dermatillomania (skin picking) issues and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 1st Wednesday of every month, 7pm
Where: Zoom (video use optional)
Contact: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.
co.uk or 0303 040 1112
13. Skype Youth Support Group for OCD, BDD, Trich & Derm run by OCD Action (ages 16 – 20)
Type: This online group is run by OCD Actions ‘Even Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead. As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment to share experiences and to offer encouragement to others. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month, 7pm
Where: Skype, Landline or Mobile (audio only)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
14. Zoom Mindfulness Group for BDD
Type: A monthly support group, exploring mindfulness-based approaches to body dysmorphic disorder, takes place online on various days each month (to allow as many people to access the group as possible) at 8pm.
The group is co-facilitated by Nicole Schnackenberg, a trustee of the BDD Foundation. You can opt to use sound only (no use of video is required to participate in the group).
When: Various days and times, every month, please email for more information
Where: Zoom (camera use optional)
Contact: Nicole [email protected]
15. Skype OCD & BDD & Eating disorders group run by OCD Action
Type: This Skype/Phone group is run by OCD Actions ‘Always Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead. As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group is an informal and supportive environment for people to share experiences of having eating disorders, OCD and BDD and to offer encouragement to other people.
When: 4th Monday of every Month, 7pm
Where: Skype, Landline or Mobile (audio only)
Contact: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.
co.uk or 0303 040 1112
16. Skype LGBTQ OCD & BDD support group run by OCD Action
Type: The group is an informal and supportive environment for people who identify as LGBTQ+ to share experiences of OCD & BDD and to offer encouragement to others. This Skype/Phone group is run by OCD Actions ‘Always Better Together project’ and uses Skype (audio only) although participants can choose to join via landline or mobile instead. As we send the call out – there are no phone costs with joining a session or fees to attend. The group also has a closed Facebook group of which participants are offered access to if they wish.
When: 1st Tuesday of every Month, 7pm
Where: Skype, Landline or Mobile (Audio only)
Contact: [email protected] or 0303 040 1112
17. Body Dysmorphic Anonymous (BDA) (USA based but open to all)
Type: User led. We are a 12 step group that support each other to recover from the cruel disorder of Body Dysmorphia.
Our support group can be helpful in finding life beyond the confining, painful grip of BDD. We share our experience, strength and hope in recovery. Our voices are powerful, as we uniquely understand the experience of BDD. This group does not offer professional guidance but is an opportunity to share ideas and provide mutual support. The group is open to those afflicted and or caring/supportive others.
When: Wednesdays at 6pm & Sundays at 12pm (PST)
Where: Zoom (camera use optional)
Contact: Lon [email protected]
18. Skype BDD Recovery Support Group (USA)
Type: Skype peer support group for people suffering from BDD symptoms. The focus is on sharing personal experiences and getting/providing support to others who coping with and recovering from BDD. Participants can join via audio and video or just audio.
When: Second & Fourth Thursday of each month, 7pm MT or 9pm ET (US)
Where: Skype
Contact: Eva eva@recoveryfrombdd.
com
19. Skype Support Group for therapists with BDD (USA)
Type: Skype BDD support group for therapists and clinicians with BDD and who have recovered from BDD. The group’s purpose is for treatment professionals to share their personal experiences with BDD and receive/provide peer support. The group participants and conversations are confidential. The group is led by a peer support specialist who also facilitates the Recovery from BDD group for individuals struggling with BDD symptoms.
When: First Thursday of each month, 9pm ET/ 7pm MT (US)
Where: Skype
Contact: Eva [email protected]
Body Dysmorphia | Symptoms & Treatment Options
Many of us will feel concerned about aspects of our appearance from time-to-time. However, the worries of people experiencing body dysmorphia are distressing and impact their ability to go about their everyday activities.
The worries often focus on aspects of appearance that others wouldn’t notice or would consider minor, or on imagined flaws in appearance.
What is body dysmorphia?
Body dysmorphia is a clinical term for a condition where a person worries excessively about their appearance.
People of any age, gender, or sex can be affected by body dysmorphia. The focus of concern varies, but often includes skin, hair, facial features (such as the nose), or other body parts.
Prevalence of body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia is considered relatively common, and both men and women can experience symptoms.
According to one study:
- 2.2% of men and 2.5% of women are affected (1)
However, the true prevalence may be even higher. The shame associated with body dysmorphia means that some people do not discuss their concerns with a mental health professional.
Symptoms of body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia can affect people in different ways. Common signs include:
- Feeling driven to repeatedly check your body in the mirror.
Or, avoiding looking at yourself in the mirror altogether. - Thinking that other people are looking at the aspect of your appearance, or criticizing you based on your appearance.
- Avoiding social situations (including school or work) because you feel people are judging you negatively because of your appearance.
- Trying to disguise the part of your body that you worry about - wearing a hat, or oversized clothing, for example.
- Having trouble concentrating because worries about your appearance get in the way.
- Picking at your skin to try to change your appearance.
- Considering cosmetic procedures to address the aspect of your appearance.
- Excessively exercising to try to change the aspect of your appearance.
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition listed in the DSM-5; this is the manual that mental health professionals use for diagnosing mental health challenges.
It is classified in the category of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders.
This reflects the obsessive nature of the concern about appearance, and the often excessive compulsions that go along with BDD.
Challenges associated with body dysmorphia
Body dysmorphia is distressing and can affect a person’s wellbeing and quality of life in diverse ways. Some examples of associated challenges include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Feeling stressed
- Eating problems, including eating disorders and body dissatisfaction
- Higher unemployment rates
- Relationship problems
- Low self-esteem
- Substance abuse
- Sleeping problems
What to do if you are struggling with body dysmorphia
If you are struggling with body dysmorphia, consider a combination of the following actions:
- See your physician: In some cases, medication can form a helpful part of a treatment plan for body dysmorphia. You might like to discuss this with your physician, or seek out a psychiatrist for specialized assessment and advice.
- Therapy: Talking therapies in both individual and group contexts can help people learn how to overcome body dysmorphia. Types of therapy to consider are discussed further, below.
- Support groups: Many people find that support groups are helpful sources of information, advice and support for coping with body dysmorphia. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America runs an online support group for body dysmorphia. You can also search for local body dysmorphia support groups in your area on the International OCD Foundation page.
- Social supports: Talk to a trusted family member or friend about how you feel. They may be able to offer a different perspective that changes how you feel or think about your appearance.
- Helplines: If you need immediate support, call 1-800-273-8255, or go the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
Therapy types to consider for body dysmorphia
Cognitive behavior therapy currently has the strongest evidence base for treating body dysmorphia, but you might find that another type of therapy feels like a better personal fit.
Some therapy types to consider include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help change unhelpful behaviors and develop more balanced thoughts and beliefs. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a particular CBT technique that is helpful for body dysmorphia. This therapy has a strong evidence-base supporting its efficacy for treating body dysmorphia.
- Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness may help if you are feeling anxious or low and can help people to learn self-compassion.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT involves components of both CBT and mindfulness as well as other strategies to help people take an acceptance approach.
What to look for in a therapist for body dysmorphia
The best-fitting type of therapist for you will depend on individual factors, symptoms, your location and finances. When selecting a mental health professional, it can be helpful to consider the following factors:
Personal fit: As is the case when you are seeking therapy for any reason, it’s important to consider the potential for developing a strong working relationship with your therapist.
The trusting working relationship with a therapist is called the therapeutic alliance, and it’s the number one indicator of treatment efficacy.
Qualifications and experience: It is important to look for a licensed mental health professional. This ensures that the therapist you work with has undertaken the appropriate education and training. Also, ask your prospective therapist ahead of time whether they have training and experience in treating body dysmorphia or obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is closely related.
Talk in advance: The best way to judge how you feel about your prospective therapist is to ask for a preliminary phone call. Most therapists will be happy to oblige. This enables you to ask about:
- Their qualifications
- Their experience working with people with body dysmorphia
- Ongoing training in body dysmorphia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and related therapies
- What type of therapy they suggest, and what that will be like
- Their participation in insurance plans and cost of therapy
Try to speak to a few different therapists before making your mind up.
Zencare can help you to find a therapist who is a good personal fit. You can browse the videos of our vetted therapists and book a free phone call. This can help you to figure out whether you feel comfortable discussing difficult issues with the therapist, and gives a sense of what the therapist’s approach is like.
Sources and references
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18408651/
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oilobot
The desire to see a plastic surgeon because of a “wrong” nose, the desire to hide imperfections of the skin behind a hairstyle or clothes - this is often associated with an exaggeration of an existing defect.
Sometimes these ideas even appear out of nowhere.
If such thoughts become too intrusive and spoil life, most likely the cause is dysmorphophobia.
What is dysmorphophobia?
This is a mental disorder associated with an incorrect perception of one's own body and constant unpleasant thoughts about its defects, which are often imaginary or insignificant. nine0005
This disease used to have other names: deformity paranoia, ugliness psychosis, dysmorphomania, dysformophobia.
However, the concept of dysmorphophobia is not entirely correct. Since this disorder does not apply to phobias.
Traditional arachnophobia, claustrophobia and agoraphobia are conditions in which fear of certain objects or situations becomes the main manifestation.
Dysmorphophobia, on the other hand, is a pathological concern about a minor or imaginary defect in one's body, which brings suffering and negative changes in behavior that interfere with a fulfilling life.
Fear in the truest sense of the word may not exist. nine0005
This mental disorder is currently described in the DSM-V (American Classification of Mental Disorders) under the code 300.7 in the group of obsessive-compulsive disorders as Body Dysmorphic Disorde r. In Russian, this can be translated as "Body dysmorphic disorder."
ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases) also has criteria for dysmorphophobia: “constant concern about the presence of a severe progressive disease or deformity ". They are included in the diagnosis of "Hypochondriacal disorder" under the code F45.2
Approximately every 50th person in the world suffers from dysmorphophobia, regardless of gender.
A The first manifestation of the disorder is usually between 13 and 20 years of age.
How to distinguish dysmorphophobia from ordinary self-blame?
Body dysmorphic experiences can occur in any part of the body.
But most often people with this disease (of any gender) are concerned about
skin, hair, nose shape.
Women are more likely than men to think that they have "something wrong" with their hips or overall weight, as well as with their facial skin.
Due to exaggerated or imaginary skin imperfections, some girls are embarrassed to leave the house without heavy makeup.
Men are more concerned about the appearance of the genitals, lips, thinning hair on the head, as well as a lack of muscle mass.
Dissatisfaction with oneself according to the last sign is also called muscular dysmorphia . Often it leads to excessive consumption of anabolic steroids and excessive physical exertion.
Of course, going to the gym to "pump up" the muscles, or heavy makeup does not yet indicate the presence of a mental disorder. Concern about appearance is not a sufficient basis for a diagnosis.
The main manifestation of dysmorphophobia is an obsessive idea that some aspect of appearance has serious flaws and therefore requires exceptional measures : reliable masking or correction of an imaginary defect.
The obsession of an idea lies in the constant, oppressive and exhausting reflection on a lack. A person with dysmorphophobia tends to spend quite a lot of time at the mirror and select camouflage techniques. For example, to hide supposedly thick hips, try on baggy clothes.
Mentally he compares himself to others all the time and finds himself less attractive. These obsessions lead to stress, low mood, sometimes problems in school and work due to the inability to focus on business, misunderstandings and quarrels in the family. nine0005
Another distinguishing criterion for this disorder is the presence of the so-called idea of relation . This is a feeling in which it seems to a person that others are watching or even condemning him for an external flaw.
How to get rid of dysmorphophobia: does correcting a defect help, and is it possible to convince a person that everything is fine with him?
Correction of an exaggerated or imaginary defect rarely solves the problem if a person has a true - diagnosed by a doctor - body dysmorphophobia.
nine0005
For example, up to 20% of people who decide to have rhinoplasty - an operation to correct the shape of the nose - suffer from body dysmorphophobia.
Unfortunately, surgery does not improve their condition - the new nose is still not happy.
Repeated operations can only worsen the situation. There are times when people make dozens of them and still remain dissatisfied with themselves. For example, like the famous British showman Rodrigo Alves.
Dysmorphophobia pushes people to over-correct themselves - they, in the truest sense of the word, abuse cosmetic procedures or physical exercises, which only worsens their condition and mood. nine0005
In a mild form of the disorder, a person may realize that the imperfection of his appearance is insignificant or invented.
However, this awareness does not get rid of obsessive thoughts. Arguments from friends and relatives help only temporarily.
Dysmorphophobia sometimes reaches delusional levels.
Then it is completely useless to convince a person that the flaws in his appearance are imaginary.
Of course, in general, support is good. But it is important to clothe it not in the form of persuasion, but to show that you believe in the truth of experiences. nine0005
And at the same time make it clear to a friend or relative with dysmorphophobia that he sees himself differently from those around him: he exaggerates his imperfections too much. While other people do not notice them - they think that they simply do not exist.
Why is dysmorphophobia dangerous?
First of all, the risk of suicide.
Those suffering from this disorder are 45 (!) times more likely than the rest of the world's population to commit suicide.
In addition, people with body dysmorphic disorder are at high risk of:
- depression,
- aggressive behavior,
- eating disorders,
- insomnia,
- chemical addictions,
- and other mental health problems.
Dysmorphophobia, associated with an imaginary imperfection of the skin, provokes obsessive scratching or squeezing non-existent blackheads.
This, in turn, can lead to real changes and damage to the skin.
A common result of prolonged dysmorphophobia is social alienation, isolation and closeness. nine0005
Where does this disease come from, how are genes and brain biochemistry related to it?
Dysmorphophobia is biopsychosocial in nature, like many other mental disorders. This means that genes, changes in the biochemistry of the body, reactions to stress factors, social and cultural contexts are involved in its development.
For example, in Germany between 2002 and 2013 the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder doubled (from 0.5% to 1%). Some attribute this to the selfie boom - the constant replication of "ideal" images in the media and social networks. nine0005
From a genetic and neurobiological point of view, body dysmorphic disorder has a lot in common with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
This is confirmed by studies involving twins - when one of a pair of genetically identical people observe OCD, and the other has body dysmorphic disorder.
Biochemical changes in the brain in OCD and body dysmorphic disorder are also similar - in some parts of the brain, the activity of dopamine receptors 2 and 3 types (this is a neurotransmitter that provokes a feeling of pleasure) is suppressed. nine0005
But, of course, there are differences. For example, studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) show that people with body dysmorphic disorder have altered activity in the areas of the brain responsible for processing visual information.
Therefore, a person perceives visual signals distorted, including when observing his own body and appearance. First, the brain "clings" to local, minor details of the image and only then processes the overall picture. nine0005
This phenomenon is called the dominance of the local perceptual mechanism over the global .
It is well demonstrated by the figure of Navona:
Everyone understands that a large letter is made up of small ones. However, the speed with which the recognition of a large or small letter occurs determines the dominance of the perception mechanism. People with body dysmorphophobia are first of all recognized by the small letters S and only then they notice the large T.
Navona's figures are used in the treatment of body dysmorphophobia - people are taught to pay attention first to the large letter and only then to the small ones. nine0005
What other treatments are available?
For mild form of body dysmorphic disorder, authoritative international clinical guidelines recommend coping with the problem with cognitive behavioral therapy.
In moderate and severe forms, along with psychotherapy, it is recommended to consult a psychiatrist for prescription of medications.
Typically, doctors prescribe antidepressants of the SSRI group (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
They work even in the absence of depression. nine0005
Unfortunately, no treatments can work instantly, as with any other mental disorders.
Usually a positive effect occurs a few weeks after the start of the drug.
A remission (weakening or almost complete disappearance of the symptoms of the disease) - after a few months. It is very important not to interrupt treatment prematurely.
Source: Dvor Media
causes, symptoms, treatment and psychotherapy of dysmorphophobia in women
Dysmorphophobia syndrome is manifested by excessive concern about one's appearance, a desire to improve it, which subsequently turns into a painful state. A person feels dissatisfaction with his appearance, despite any changes. The reasons for the development of the disorder are the genetic predisposition of the diseased. Dysmorphophobia affects both women and men. For many, appearance is the main value on which success with the opposite sex and personal happiness depend.
Also, the symptoms of the syndrome often appear in adolescence, regardless of gender, when a person evaluates himself as critically as possible. nine0005
Dysmorphophobia is directly related to mental disorders. Treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Seeing a psychiatrist and psychotherapy will help you cope with the manic desire to improve your appearance, allow you to love yourself and recognize your uniqueness.
Article content:
- Description of the disease
- Dysmorphophobia in adolescents
- Diagnostic methods
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group and individual therapy
- Forecasts
- Appeal to professionals
Description of the disease
Dysmorphophobia syndrome is a mental state in which a person is overly concerned about his appearance, cannot adequately assess the features of his own body, and does everything to correct far-fetched shortcomings.
When upset, men and women begin to get involved in plastic surgery and diets. Often this leads to bulimia and anorexia. nine0219 When upset, there is a fear that it will not be possible to achieve an ideal figure. In this case, symptoms of severe depression develop, suicidal thoughts appear. Since all the problems are in the psyche, the perception of appearance by the sick and others is very different. Treatment of the disorder in women and men requires deep psychotherapy.
It is very important to teach the patient to value himself, because with dysmorphophobia there is no end point in transformations - the patient constantly finds new imperfections. nine0005
Dysmorphophobia in adolescents
It is adolescents who most often suffer from dysmorphophobia. When you grow up, you pay more attention to your appearance. Any features of one's own body and shortcomings are perceived negatively by the psyche of a teenager. The syndrome is often referred to as delusional, hypochondriacal, overvalued or obsessive disorders.
It develops on fears that are associated with the characteristics of the human psyche.
The decision to treat body dysmorphic disorder is based on the presence of three features:
- painful certainty that there is a shortcoming - real and exaggerated, or far-fetched;
- idea of relationship;
- depressed mood.
The main difficulty lies in the fact that adolescents hide their thoughts and fears, so treatment often begins after serious attempts to change their appearance.
If a teenager has symptoms of an illness, then he urgently needs a consultation with a psychiatrist and treatment with the help of psychotherapy. It is possible to notice the syndrome if you carefully observe the child, fix strange changes in behavior, habits, clothing style. The sick person most often stops sharing his experiences with loved ones, does not answer questions about a bad mood. nine0219 Relatives may notice indirect symptoms:
- excessive attention to oneself, search for an angle in which flaws will be invisible - a person constantly carries a mirror with him;
- painful attitude to photography - photos are removed from prominent places, because they supposedly serve as evidence of imperfections.
The disease must be treated by a psychiatrist, the patient also needs psychotherapy, without treatment the disease can progress. In the future, adult women may face problems in their personal lives and stress due to body dysmorphic disorder. nine0005
Diagnostic methods
As a rule, patients do not see the problem and the need for psychotherapy. Symptoms of the disease can be noticed by relatives and relatives.
According to the MBC-10 for body dysmorphophobia, the patient must have the following signs:
- preoccupation with an imperfection or disease of a physical nature that progresses rapidly;
- focusing on one or two organs;
- existing disorders are used to manipulate others; nine0194
- self-treatment, passion for various diets.
When symptoms are detected, it is necessary to understand the causes of their occurrence. The specialist will need to exclude the presence of other mental disorders.
Symptoms of the disease
Excessive anxiety syndrome is manifested by a constant desire to look at one's reflection, evaluating appearance, fear of being photographed. Women who are overly concerned about their appearance constantly ask loved ones about their defects and try to hide them. nine0005
The development of dysmorphophobia syndrome affects all spheres of life, because the patient loses interest in studies, work, and strives for social isolation. In the absence of treatment, as a rule, there is an excessive passion for sports, diets. Women are beginning to save money for surgical operations. There may be problems such as:
- alcohol abuse;
- loss of concentration;
- panic attacks;
- search for ways to get rid of existing defects. nine0194
In women, symptoms include wearing a lot of make-up, wearing oversized clothes to hide imperfections. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible.
It is necessary to apply psychotherapy, and sometimes medication is required.
Causes of occurrence
There is a direct relationship between the effectiveness of psychotherapy treatment with an exact understanding of why the dysmorphophobia syndrome appeared. A man or woman can develop the disease for the following reasons:
- biological – disorders of neurotransmitter metabolism, brain development anomalies, the presence of a genetic predisposition of a woman or a man;
- psychological - injuries associated with criticism, lack of love and attention;
- social - pressure from the media, promotion of unhealthy body parameters, activation of fears associated with loneliness;
- personal - dysmorphophobia syndrome is characteristic of people with such qualities as timidity and insecurity, perfectionism, neurosis, increased sensitivity to criticism. nine0194
Rarely, women or members of the opposite sex need treatment for the syndrome because of schizophrenia.
Body Dysmorphophobia Treatment
Body dysmorphic disorder in adolescents, women and men is treated with highly specialized psychotherapy. As a rule, during an exacerbation of depression, drug therapy is prescribed. It is possible to use antidepressants, tranquilizers to exclude suicide attempts, reduce anxiety and stabilize the condition. nine0005
Psychotherapy sessions begin in the second stage of treatment. Experts say that it is impossible to convince a woman or a man of wrong thoughts. Therefore, work is underway to adopt its appearance. It is strictly forbidden to allow plastic surgery or strict diets, as this leads to an exacerbation of the syndrome.
Treatment of body dysmorphic disorder is most often carried out on an outpatient basis, in advanced cases hospitalization is possible. This is necessary if psychotherapy does not help, there have been suicide attempts, the patient secretly continues to try to change himself. Treatment in a hospital allows you to isolate the patient from the effects of negative factors and eliminate the risks of deterioration.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is often used to treat a woman or a man. This approach is aimed at helping the patient get rid of the rituals associated with the constant assessment of their shortcomings. In the process of treatment, self-reflection is necessary:
- monitoring of one's condition;
- fixing the appearance of negative thoughts;
- overcoming negativity. nine0194
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is aimed at making patients fully aware of their condition and the dangerous consequences for health. This is the main condition for a successful recovery. This method can be combined with medication or other types of therapy.
Group and individual therapy
With various disorders of adequate perception of one's own body, it is important to combine individual work with group sessions. This approach provides the following benefits:
- important insights when face-to-face communication with a psychotherapist has reached an impasse;
- the opportunity to look at the problem from the outside;
- development of empathy, friendly support;
- receiving strength to fight the disease from people who are faced with the same problem;
- association with those who have already returned to society to a normal way of life;
- Get more resources and help to prevent relapse.
Groups can also be visited at the end of the main course of treatment as a fixative therapy or preventive measure.
Forecasts
With the development of the syndrome, patients usually seek help from dermatologists, nutritionists, and plastic surgeons. This not only does not bring relief, but also aggravates the course of the disease. Recovery is possible only when working with a qualified psychiatrist and psychologist. Properly used psychotherapy allows you to get a noticeable effect in 82% of cases if the patient continues to be treated. The support of loved ones contributes to a faster recovery. Multi-family therapy may be used. nine0005
Many patients benefit from the use of antidepressants. The choice of drug and dosage should be prescribed by the attending physician.
Contacting professionals
The CIRC specializes in helping patients with body dysmorphic disorder. We use British guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, we use only modern methods to combat anorexia, bulimia and other disorders.
