How does BDD begin?

BDD affects men and women equally. It usually begins during the teen years or early adulthood. The most common concerns of a BDD patient are his/her skin imperfections, hair, facial features, body weight, body shape and even body odour.

What are the signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Recurring and distressing thoughts, fear/ seeing images (hallucinations) that they cannot control
Feeling anxious when around people
Performing certain rituals or routines (compulsions) such as looking in a mirror, picking at the skin, and trying to hide or cover up the perceived defect
Constantly looking for reassurance that the defect is not visible or too obvious
Affects life at work, or in relationships due to the inability to stop obsessing about the perceived defect

What triggers Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Traumatic events or an emotional conflict during childhood
Parents and peers who were critical of a person’s appearance
Low self-esteem

People with BDD need medical and social support. A person with BDD should be shown the “real picture” and taught to respect himself/ herself for what he/she is. A Psychiatrist can help manage the problem medically, which otherwise can worsen to an extent that the patient loses self confidence, completely.