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. Individuals experiencing these concerns can benefit from early guidance and support from experienced Psychiatrists in Kochi Kerala, who are trained to identify and manage such mental health conditions effectively.
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
In such cases, seeking professional help from a reputed Psychiatry Hospital in Kochi Kerala can ensure proper diagnosis, counselling, and medical management.
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.
