Body dysmorphic disorder affects your mental health: learn how

Body dysmorphic disorder It is a condition in which a person cannot stop thinking about one or more perceived flaws or imperfections in his or her appearance. Usually, it is a flaw that seems minor or that others cannot see; however, the person tends to feel embarrassed, ashamed and anxious, and thus avoids social situations.

Mayo Clinic says that when you have body dysmorphic disorder, you focus intensely on your appearance and body image, repeatedly looking in the mirror, grooming yourself or seeking reassurance, sometimes for several hours a day. This affects your daily activities.

Treatment for body dysmorphic disorder may include cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

Body dysmorphic disorder can also seriously affect your mental health. Read on to find out how.

Distorted self-perception

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) causes people to obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance to the point of imagining or exaggerating them. This distorted self-perception dominates their thoughts, leading to constant negative self-talk and dissatisfaction with their appearance, which ultimately affects their self-esteem and overall mental well-being.

Obsessive behaviors and rituals

People with BDD tend to engage in compulsive behaviors, such as excessive grooming, skin picking, or constantly looking in the mirror to “fix” or hide their perceived flaws. These repetitive behaviors create a cycle of anxiety and temporary relief, thereby trapping people in their obsessions.

Social anxiety and isolation

BDD can lead to severe social anxiety, as people fear being judged or ridiculed by others because of their appearance. This fear often causes them to avoid social situations and withdraw from friends, family, and even professional environments. This results in isolation and can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, depression, and low self-esteem.

Delusions about body image

In severe cases, people with BDD may have delusional thoughts and believe that their appearance is much worse than it is. This disconnect from reality increases psychological distress and makes treatment more difficult, as people may resist getting help.

Depression and suicidal thoughts

BDD is often linked to high rates of depression due to the nature of the disorder. Constant negative thoughts and feelings of feeling “ugly” or “unacceptable” can lead to intense sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of joy in life. Studies show that people with BDD are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to the general population.

Anxiety and panic attacks

The obsessive nature of BDD causes chronic anxiety that can manifest in the form of panic attacks when people are faced with situations that trigger their fears. The constant state of worrying about their appearance causes heightened feelings of fear, stress, and physiological symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.

Impact on daily activities

BDD can affect a person’s daily life, including work, school, and personal relationships. Overwhelming concern with appearance makes it difficult for people to focus on tasks or engage in other meaningful activities. This can lead to feelings of failure, guilt, and frustration, further worsening mental health.