Do you know what is body dysmorphia? Sometimes when we are in front of the mirror we tend to easily perceive flaws in our appearance that we seek to resolve with a little makeup, with an accessory or by changing our hairstyle, for example. However, when people They focus only on the flaws in their appearancethey become obsessed with them and begin to see their social relationships and the way they function in their daily lives affected for this reason, it could be the body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
And it is that constantly seek aesthetic perfection can lead us to have a distorted perception of self-image and as a result it is possible that all attention is focused on the personal appearance and in seeking tranquility through repetitive activities such as looking in the mirror, performing various cosmetic procedures and washing oneself.
Frequently the physical characteristics The ones that most focus attention on when suffering from body dysmorphia are:
- Face: nose, complexion, wrinkles, acne, among others.
- Hair: appearance, weakening, baldness.
- Moms: size.
- Muscles: size and tone.
- Genitals.
This disorder affects both men and women. and usually goes unnoticed. If you feel that you may be suffering from it, it is important that you identify it early and start treatment.
Identify signs and symptoms
Find out below some Signs and symptoms that may indicate that you suffer from body dysmorphia:
- Extreme concern about a defect perceived in appearance that goes unnoticed by other people.
- Conviction of having a defect in the appearance that makes you ugly or deformed.
- Have the perception that others pay special attention to your appearance in a negative way.
- Using style, makeup or clothing to try to hide the defects perceived.
- Compare frequently one’s own appearance with that of others.
- Permanently search for approval of others regarding your appearance.
- Have perfectionist tendencies.
- Frequently check physical appearance in front of a mirror and have feelings of shame, disgust, hopelessness, depression, anger, anxiety.
- Excessively perform actions such as: picking your skin, cleaning yourself, exercising, changing clothes.
- For avoid being seenpeople with body dysmorphia prefer to stay at home or remain alone.
If you identify these signs or symptoms, do not feel sorry and consult a mental health professional to have a diagnosis and start treatment if necessary. Seeking help should not cause you shame.
What are the causes of body dysmorphia?
Among the aspects that have been identified as causes of body dysmorphia the following are found:
The genes. This disorder tends to run in families.
Serotonin. The shortage of this substance found in the brain would have to do with the origin of this disorder.
Brain differences. Some studies show that some parts of the brain are different and function differently in people with body dysmorphia.
Keep in mind that body dysmorphia is no one’s fault and is a mental health problem requiring treatment.
How is body dysmorphia diagnosed and treated?
If you identify signs or symptoms of body dysmorphia, it is important ask for help to a trusted adult and consult a mental health professional With experience in this topic, they will be able to determine if you actually suffer from this disorder and what the appropriate treatment may be.
exist Two ways to treat body dysmorphia:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy. Through psychotherapy, it is possible to be aware of what one thinks, test those ideas and refute them, so that, little by little, the person learns not to focus on their physical appearance in order to correct it.
Medication. Using medications can help people feel less obsessed and distressed about their physical appearance.
In many cases, both therapies are complemented for the treatment of
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