Body dysmorphic disorder symptoms involve a person's preoccupation with a real or perceived flaw in his or her appearance. Listed in the DSM-V as a type of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), people with BDD perform repetitive, ritualistic or mental acts in response to preoccupation with these perceived flaws. These rituals, which are part of the BDD symptoms, become so pervasive and take up so much time as to significantly interfere with daily life.
General body dysmorphic disorder signs include:
- The flaw or flaws are either imagined, or distress over a very slight actual physical asymmetry is excessive.
- The preoccupation causes the person considerable and excessive anxiety that negatively affects his or her daily life.
- No other mental disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, can account for the person's preoccupation with these imagined or very slight physical flaws.
- People with BDD may or may not have insight that their preoccupation is excessive.
Specific body dysmorphic disorder symptoms for people with the condition include:
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- Strong belief that the flaw or physical abnormality makes him or her ugly
- Strong belief that others view his or her physical appearance as ugly
- Constant need for reassurance about physical appearance from others
- Undergoes frequent plastic surgery or non-invasive cosmetic procedures
- Performs excessive grooming rituals
- Excessively self-conscious
- Refuses to appear in photographs under any circumstances
- Avoids social situations
- Uses excessive make-up and goes to great lengths to camouflage the imagined defects with clothing
BDD obsessions and compulsions can focus on any part of the body, but some of the common body parts and features include:
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- Overall facial area
- Nose
- Eyes
- Skin and complexion
- Wrinkles
- Acne
- Baldness
- Body shape
- Muscle size
- Genitalia (size and appearance)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder once was categorized as an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but with so many people being categorized as BDD, the need to separate and explore it in its uniqueness became apparent. This is not typical concern over one’s appearance. This is total obsession with how you look, and perceiving a flaw that may very well be invisible to others as drastically worse.
I know I’m uncomfortable with myself. I avoid cameras, wear clothing to hide myself, avoid mirrors, and even compare myself to others. But I don’t have Body Dysmorphia. Close, but not quite there. Which, if you knew me, should explain how extreme this really is.
People diagnosed with Body Dysmorphia worry about their appearance to the point of distraction. They are late to everything because they just couldn’t fix their flaw. They excessively diet and exercise or pick and pluck. Those who have money will spend it on multiple cosmetic surgeries to fix the flaw, and still not find satisfaction.
There is an anxiety and/or a depression involved in this as well. Anxiety over how people perceive the flaw and depression when the flaw is not fixable. People with BDD will often avoid occasions where their perceived flaw would be showcased, or show up late after hours of preparation.
Body Dysmorphia affects both genders, it seems in equal measures. Media seem to make it worse, in my opinion. With all the magazines, cartoons, and movies out there, is it any wonder that people get caught up in trying to appear ‘perfect’?
Body Dysmorphia is even showing in our characters. Think of Thing in the Fantastic Four. We can easily say he has a right to not want to look that way, but he is obsessive about it. He hates himself, and punishes himself, for looking like he does. Look again to Captain America, BEFORE the serum beefed him up. Size was a big thing with him, and the standards of the Army only made it worse.
Fame has its price too. Look at Michael Jackson. He used cosmetic surgery much to his detriment. Altering a nose that was fine to begin with. Uma Thurman, Jodie Marsh, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Hayden Panettiere, Robert Pattinson, and Brittany Snow all admitted to having BDD. These are beautiful people who worry about little things like cellulite. Normal humans who, under the spotlight, grew to hate themselves further because evidence of their perceived flaws now appears everywhere.
I suggest, when writing about a character with Body Dysmorphia, that you take a deep look into all that is involved. The twisted views of their appearance, the way their mind expand a tiny flaw and make it seem horror flick worthy. Add in the anxiety, the constant worry of what others are thinking or saying. Even a bit of paranoia, because they believe everyone is laughing at them or talking bad behind their back. And depression. That utter deep darkness in the soul that envelops them because nothing can ever be done to fix that imagined flaw.
Put yourself in their shoes, when writing about a character with Body Dysmorphia. Allow yourself to experience the wide range of emotions. Don’t be afraid to show it to your readers. The increased heart rate, the sheer terror of situations where that flaw might be showcased. The beach would be a horrid place to someone thinking they are fat. Put them there and feel it. Then show that feeling to your audience.
We need more books, more characters, a with Body Dysmorphia. Why? I’d say because even I did not know this was a thing until I did my research. Our readers need to know they aren’t alone, and they need hope that things can change.
Disclaimer: I am not a therapist. I have not taken any classes, nor do I have a degree. I am writing this from my standpoint based on my personal experiences and research. I beg of you, if you think you may have Body Dysmorphia Disorder, speak with a doctor immediately.
No matter what, suicide is not an option. If you are thinking of harming yourself, seek help. Talk to a doctor, go to the ER, or even call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255
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