Body Dysmorphia.

Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition that causes people to experience severe distress and rumination focussed on the appearance and their own perception of their body. Individuals may focus on a certain part of their body that they feel is flawed, even when others can’t see it or can’t understand the individual’s concerns. This can be anything from a perceived physical flaw, like a scar, to a perceived difference in body shape or size, such as someone’s height or the symmetry of their face. People with body dysmorphia might experience feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment, and eventually even depression and anxiety as well.

One of the most common types of body dysmorphia is muscle dysmorphia, or the belief that one is too small or weak. People with muscle dysmorphia may become obsessed with bodybuilding and weightlifting in order to “fix” their perceived flaws. This can be dangerous as it can lead to an unhealthy fixation on physical appearance. Additionally, people with body dysmorphia may engage in self-injurious behaviors such as cutting, burning, and skin-picking. This can result in physical scarring, infection, and other medical complications. Finally, body dysmorphia can interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships and succeed in school or work.

Body dysmorphia can also lead to extreme dieting or excessive exercising, but is different to anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image. Body dysmorphia is a mental health disorder where a person is preoccupied with an imagined physical defect or a minor flaw that other people cannot see. While anorexia nervosa is specifically focused on a fear of gaining weight and an extreme restriction of food intake, body dysmorphia is focused on a person’s perception of their own physical appearance in any area not related to their weight or being “fat”.

Treating body dysmorphia typically involves cognitive behavioural therapy, which helps patients to identify and challenge their distorted thoughts and beliefs, and to learn to accept their bodies. The goal is to help individuals recognise that the perfection and/or certainty they are seeking cannot be achieved with the strategies and behaviours they are implementing. It emphasises acceptance and focusses on developing a healthy body image. Additionally, medications such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antipsychotic medications may be used to reduce the symptoms of body dysmorphia. Patients may also benefit from support groups and other resources to help them cope with their feelings.

It’s important to remember that body dysmorphia is a medical condition with an often chronic course and should be treated as such. If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphia, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. With the right support, individuals can learn to accept themselves and to prevent their compulsive rituals that maintain their body-focussed ruminations or anxiety. Talking to a mental health professional can be the first essential step towards recovery.