Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is ‘a psychiatric illness in which patients become obsessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance’ (Luciano 2002: p175). Martin & Costello (2008) view it is a severe dislike and concern about some slight or imagined aspect of their appearance, that causes them significant emotional distress and difficulties. Cash (2008) maintains that sufferers have ‘a grossly distorted view of what they look like’ and Phillips (2005) coins BDD as ‘the disorder of imagined ugliness’ (p5).
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is classified as a somatoform disorder because the primary focus is a psychological preoccupation with a somatic issue. (Barlow & Durand: 2005) Thompson (2000) explains that the term that preceded Body Dysmorphic Disorder was ‘dysmorphophobia’ which was used by Morselli in 1886 (Morselli, 1886) which literally meant a ‘fear of ugliness’. In 1903, Janet’s description referred to an ‘obsession with shame of the body’; for decades BDD was thought to represent a ‘psychotic delusional state’ (Barlow & Durand: 2005, p183). The first English language paper on dysmorphophobia was not published until 1970 (Hay: 1970) focusing on the fear of other people’s reactions to the imagined flaw in appearance. BDD gained official status in 1987 when it was first published in the DSM-III-R
Jim was convinced that everyone, even his good friends, was staring at a part of his body that he himself found absolutely grotesque. He reported that strangers would never mention his deformity and his friends felt too sorry for him to mention it. Jim thought his head was square! Jim could not imagine people getting past the fact that his head was square. To hide his condition as well as he could, Jim wore soft floppy hats and was most comfortable in winter, when he could all but completely cover his head with a large stocking cap. To us, Jim looked perfectly normal. (Barlow & Durand: 2005)
In the article ‘Body Dysmorphic Disorder in men, psychiatric treatments are usually effective’, Katharine Phillips notes that BDD is an underrecognised yet relatively common and severe psychiatric disorder. Many doctors…do not recognize the condition as yet and simply see it as low self-esteem’ (Paterson: 2008, p51) Claiborn & Pedrick (2002) focus their attention on the two predominant features of BDD; the preoccupation with the [imagined] defect and the actions taken to reduce the feelings of distress.
How do I know if I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?...
Table of Contents
1. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
2. How do I know if I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
3. Different forms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder…
3.1 Muscle Dysmorphia
3.2 BDD by proxy
4. Obsessions and BDD…
5. Compulsions and BDD…
6. Cases of males with BDD – examples
7. Causes of BDD…
8. BDD and gender – a male slant
9. How does BDD affect the male sufferer?
10. Treatment options for BDD sufferers…
10.1 Medication
10.2 Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
10.3 Cosmetic treatments
11. BDD and other disorders…
11.1 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
11.2 Depression
11.3 Eating Disorders
11.4 Social Phobia
12. Family assistance for the sufferer…
13. Where to get help for the sufferer...
13.1 Organizations
13.2 Books and Websites for further reading
Objectives and Core Topics
The primary objective of this work is to provide an in-depth analysis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) with a specific focus on its manifestation, implications, and treatment challenges within the male population.
- The psychological and somatic nature of BDD as a psychiatric disorder.
- Specific challenges associated with Muscle Dysmorphia and BDD by proxy in men.
- The impact of compulsive behaviors, obsessions, and social anxiety on male sufferers.
- Evidence-based treatment pathways, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy and medication.
- The critical importance of early intervention and family support systems.
Excerpt from the Book
1. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is ‘a psychiatric illness in which patients become obsessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance’ (Luciano 2002: p175). Martin & Costello (2008) view it is a severe dislike and concern about some slight or imagined aspect of their appearance, that causes them significant emotional distress and difficulties. Cash (2008) maintains that sufferers have ‘a grossly distorted view of what they look like’ and Phillips (2005) coins BDD as ‘the disorder of imagined ugliness’ (p5).
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is classified as a somatoform disorder because the primary focus is a psychological preoccupation with a somatic issue. (Barlow & Durand: 2005) Thompson (2000) explains that the term that preceded Body Dysmorphic Disorder was ‘dysmorphophobia’ which was used by Morselli in 1886 (Morselli, 1886) which literally meant a ‘fear of ugliness’. In 1903, Janet’s description referred to an ‘obsession with shame of the body’; for decades BDD was thought to represent a ‘psychotic delusional state’ (Barlow & Durand: 2005, p183). The first English language paper on dysmorphophobia was not published until 1970 (Hay: 1970) focusing on the fear of other people’s reactions to the imagined flaw in appearance. BDD gained official status in 1987 when it was first published in the DSM-III-R
Summary of Chapters
1. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?: Defines BDD as a psychiatric illness characterized by obsessive preoccupation with perceived physical flaws.
2. How do I know if I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder?: Discusses diagnostic criteria, common self-assessment tools, and the prevalence of body dissatisfaction.
3. Different forms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder…: Explores specific variants such as Muscle Dysmorphia and BDD by proxy.
4. Obsessions and BDD…: Examines the nature of intrusive thoughts and their impact on daily life.
5. Compulsions and BDD…: Details common ritualistic behaviors like mirror checking and camouflaging used to alleviate anxiety.
6. Cases of males with BDD – examples: Provides clinical case studies illustrating the varied manifestations of BDD in men.
7. Causes of BDD…: Reviews potential genetic, biological, and psychological risk factors associated with the disorder.
8. BDD and gender – a male slant: Analyzes the male-specific perspective and the prevalence of BDD during adolescence.
9. How does BDD affect the male sufferer?: Highlights the consequences on social, professional, and psychological well-being.
10. Treatment options for BDD sufferers…: Evaluates the efficacy of SSRIs and CBT, including the role of cosmetic treatments.
11. BDD and other disorders…: Explores the co-morbidity with conditions like OCD, depression, and social phobia.
12. Family assistance for the sufferer…: Offers practical guidelines for families to support affected individuals.
13. Where to get help for the sufferer...: Provides resources, organizations, and literature for professional support.
Keywords
Body Dysmorphic Disorder, BDD, Muscle Dysmorphia, Mental Health, Psychiatry, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Male Body Image, Somatoform Disorder, Depression, Social Phobia, Cosmetic Surgery, Adonis Complex, Psychological Intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this publication?
The document provides a comprehensive overview of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, specifically investigating its psychological foundations, behavioral symptoms, and the unique challenges it presents for men.
Which key thematic areas are addressed in the text?
The work covers diagnostic indicators, the spectrum of compulsive behaviors, the influence of social and cultural pressures on body image, and established medical and therapeutic treatment options.
What is the primary objective of the research presented?
The goal is to increase awareness of BDD as a serious, under-recognized psychiatric disorder and to outline effective strategies for identification, management, and support.
Which scientific methodology underpins the work?
The author synthesizes clinical data, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria, and research findings from established psychologists to provide an evidence-based perspective on the disorder.
What topics are explored in the main body chapters?
The main chapters discuss the classification of BDD, specific variants like Muscle Dysmorphia, the vicious cycle of obsessions and compulsions, and the co-morbidity with other mental health conditions.
How would you describe the essential keywords characterizing this work?
The text is defined by terms such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, OCD, psychiatric treatment, male body image, and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
What does the book specifically suggest regarding 'BDD by proxy'?
BDD by proxy is identified as a dangerous variant where the sufferer obsesses over the physical defects of others, which can lead to forced, unnecessary medical interventions on loved ones.
How does the author explain the 'Adonis Complex' in the context of male BDD?
The Adonis Complex is discussed as a male-specific pressure to achieve an ideal, highly muscular physique, often leading to dangerous behaviors such as steroid use and excessive exercise.
- Quote paper
- Gary Elliott (Author), 2010, Body Dysmorphic Disorder. A Male Concern, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275075
