Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, is a serious mental illness that can cause a great deal of distress for those who suffer from it. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have BDD, it is important to learn about the symptoms and how to get help. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about BDD: what it is, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to get treatment.
Contents
Diagnostic Criteria For Body Dysmorphic DSM-5?
The DSM-V diagnostic criteria for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) include preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable to others or appear only slightly noticeable.
The individual experiences significant distress and/or impairment in functioning due to the preoccupation. In order to diagnose BDD, the preoccupation must not be better explained by concerns about body fat or weight.
There are a few criteria that the DSM-5 has proposed in order for an individual to diagnose with body dysmorphic disorder:
- An individual must be preoccupied with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable to others or appear only slightly noticeable.
- An individual experiences significant distress and/or impairment in functioning due to the preoccupation.
- The preoccupation must not be better explained by concerns about body fat or weight.
In order to diagnose BDD, an individual must meet at least one of the following three criteria:
- Time spent each day thinking about the perceived defect(s) or flaw(s) in appearance.
- Repetitive behaviors (e.g., mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, reassurance seeking) or mental acts (e.g., comparing appearance with others) perform in response to appearance concerns.
- Significant distress or impairment in social, work/school, or other important areas of functioning caused by appearance concerns.
It is important to note that the preoccupation must not be better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., an eating disorder) or medical condition (e.g., acne). If the individual is under the age of 18 years, the disturbance must have been present for at least 12 months.
What Are The Causes Of BDD DSM-V?
The causes of body dysmorphic DSM 5 disorder are not fully understood. However, there are a number of risk factors that have to identify:
- A family history of BDD, OCD, depression, or anxiety.
- Bullying or teasing during childhood.
- An unstable home life/family environment.
- Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem.
What Are The Symptoms Of BDD DSM-V?
People with BDD can obsess over any aspect of their appearance, but there are some common themes:
- Concerns about skin blemishes or wrinkles
- Preoccupation with hair loss or thinning
- A belief that one’s nose is too large or asymmetrical
- Excessive concern about the size or shape of one’s penis or breasts
What Are The Specifications For BDD DSM-5 300.7 (F45.22)?
It’s critical to establish body dysmorphic disorder requirements to assess various factors, such as the condition’s severity. It should note if and when:
Muscular Dysmorphia
This is a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder that’s characterized by an extreme preoccupation with one’s own physical fitness and muscle size.
Good And Fair Insight
This means that they understand that their preoccupation with physical appearance is excessive or unreasonable.
Poor Insight
This indicates that they don’t think their preoccupation with physical appearance is a problem. Or, they might partially recognize it, but still, believe that changes need to make to improve their looks.
Absent Insight About Delusional Beliefs
This is when a person believes that their appearance flaw is real, despite contrary evidence. They might think that others take notice of their perceived defect and are also disgusted by it.
Who Is At Risk Of Getting BDD, According To The DSM-5 (F45.22)?
There are several risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing BDD. These include:
- Having a close relative with the disorder
- Having another mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder
- Being teased or bullied during childhood or adolescence
- Experiencing negative life events, such as trauma or abuse
If you have any of these risk factors, it does not mean that you will definitely develop BDD. However, it is important to be aware of them so that you can seek help if necessary.
What Are The Treatment Options For BDD?
It is important to remember that everyone has some degree of dissatisfaction with their appearance. It is only when the preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance causes intense distress or interferes with daily functioning that it may be classified as body dysmorphic disorder.
There are a number of different treatment options available for those suffering from body dysmorphic disorder, and the most effective approach is often a combination of therapies.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that helps an individual to change their thinking patterns and beliefs in order to improve their mood and behavior. CBT found to be particularly effective in treating body dysmorphic disorder.
One key component of CBT for body dysmorphic disorder is exposure and response prevention (ERP). ERP involves gradually exposing the individual to the situations or activities that trigger their distress, while simultaneously teaching them how to manage and reduce their anxiety response.
Medications
Medication may also prescribe in order to help relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression that often accompany body dysmorphic disorder. There are some types of antidepressants that uses for the treatment of body dysmorphic disorder.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that can be effective in treating body dysmorphic disorder.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- citalopram (Lexapro)
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
This treatment is typically reserved for cases where other treatments have failed and the person suffering from body dysmorphic disorder poses a threat to themselves or others.
Hospitalization
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary in order to keep the person safe and provide 24-hour supervision and care.
If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphic disorder, there is help available. Treatment can be very effective in managing symptoms and helping people live happier, more productive lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a serious mental illness that can be difficult to recognize and treat. However, with the help of a mental health professional, it is possible to manage the symptoms of this disorder and live a fulfilling life. If you or someone you know is struggling with Body Dysmorphic Disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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