M4. Lesson 4.3: Body Dysmorphic Disorders

Question 1

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Answer 1

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is another obsessive-compulsive disorder, however, the focus of these obsessions are with a perceived defect or flaw in physical appearance.

Question 2

What is a key feature of BDD?

Answer 2

A key feature of these obsessions with defects or flaws are that they are not observable to others. An individual who has a congenital facial defect or a burn victim who is concerned about scars are not examples of an individual with BDD. The obsessions related to one’s appearance can run the spectrum from feeling “unattractive” to “looking hideous.”

Question 3

What are the areas that people with BDD are concerned with the most?

Answer 3

While any part of the body can be a concern for an individual with BDD, the most commonly reported areas are skin (e.g., acne, wrinkles, skin color), hair (e.g., thinning hair or excessive body hair), or nose (e.g., size, shape).

Question 4

What does the distressing nature of obsession drive an individual with BDD to do?

Answer 4

The distressing nature of the obsessions regarding one’s body, often drive individuals with BDD to engage in compulsive behaviors that take up a considerable amount of time. or example, an individual may repeatedly compare her body to other people’s bodies in the general public; repeatedly look at herself in the mirror; engage in excessive grooming which includes using make-up to modify her appearance.

Question 5

What will some individuals with BDD go as far to do?

Answer 5

Some individuals with BDD will go as far as having numerous plastic surgeries in attempts to obtain the “perfect” appearance.