Many people want to look and feel fabulous about themself. As an aesthetic practitioner, I provide treatments such as laser hair removal, non-surgical HIFU and RF Microneedling to help people feel confident and comfortable about their appearance.At the same time, it is crucial for me to assess how my clients’ concerns are affecting them both mentally and physically. Is a concern taking over your life? Body Dysmorphic Disorder is one of the illnesses we shouldn’t take lightly.
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a complex mental health condition where you spend a long time worrying about flaws in your appearance. Quite often, these flaws are not noticeable to other people. This obsession can cause significant distress and affect your daily life.
What are the symptoms of BDD?
- Constantly checking yourself in the mirror or avoiding mirrors altogether.
- Constantly comparing yourself with others.
- Constantly seeking reassurance from other people if you look OK.
- Avoid social activities because of your appearance.
- Having unnecessary plastic surgery.
The symptoms of BDD can range from mild to severe and can be about any part of the body. The flaw may be real or imagined, but the distress is real and can be debilitating. BDD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Is BDD treatable?
BDD can be difficult to self-diagnose and challenging to live with, but symptoms can be managed with the proper treatment and support.
