Body dysmorphic disorder is a commonly undiagnosed disorder that causes a person to believe that their body is deformed or defective. Body dysmorphic disorder is typically diagnosed in teen years. Symptoms can be debilitating to daily life and relationships. Treatments for this disorder are usually effective when the patient is compliant and willing to open their minds to other ideas than the stone beliefs of negativity. Patients with this disorder are highly sensitive and require more specialized and consistent care.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Originally named dysmorphophobia in 1886 by an Italian researcher, BDD went unrecognized until 1987 and only recently was considered to be an actual diagnosis. The name was changed to reflect the …show more content…
The problem arises because BDD patients are not usually willing to accept the diagnosis because of their intense belief about themselves. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one that “focuses on teaching you healthy behaviors, such as being social and avoiding obsessive behaviors, such as mirror checking” (Mayo Foundation, 2012). Usually the therapy will help the patient to understand their diagnosis and learn how to control their obsessive impulses and thoughts. Along with therapy physicians typically prescribe medications that are classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. SSRIs are the antidepressant drug of choice as they “help control your obsessions and repetitive behaviors” (Mayo Foundation, 2012). The medication typically takes 12 weeks before any improvement in condition can be noticed. Sometimes the medication that works for one does not for another and they may need more than one drug. The medication will not cure the patient but it will block the obsessions and impulses. Once the patient discontinues use of the medication, their symptoms will return. Some less commonly recommended treatments of BDD are hospitalization and cosmetic procedures. In extremely severe cases a patient may be hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. Usually a 24 hour stay for observation or a residential long-term treatment is required. Plastic surgery is also an option but is not typically effective in curing the patient; many times this treatment backfires and causes the disorder to become more severe. The problem with the surgical approach is that the “fix” is still not enough for a person with BDD so they continue with more surgeries and eventually are
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Originally named dysmorphophobia in 1886 by an Italian researcher, BDD went unrecognized until 1987 and only recently was considered to be an actual diagnosis. The name was changed to reflect the …show more content…
The problem arises because BDD patients are not usually willing to accept the diagnosis because of their intense belief about themselves. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one that “focuses on teaching you healthy behaviors, such as being social and avoiding obsessive behaviors, such as mirror checking” (Mayo Foundation, 2012). Usually the therapy will help the patient to understand their diagnosis and learn how to control their obsessive impulses and thoughts. Along with therapy physicians typically prescribe medications that are classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. SSRIs are the antidepressant drug of choice as they “help control your obsessions and repetitive behaviors” (Mayo Foundation, 2012). The medication typically takes 12 weeks before any improvement in condition can be noticed. Sometimes the medication that works for one does not for another and they may need more than one drug. The medication will not cure the patient but it will block the obsessions and impulses. Once the patient discontinues use of the medication, their symptoms will return. Some less commonly recommended treatments of BDD are hospitalization and cosmetic procedures. In extremely severe cases a patient may be hospitalized in a psychiatric facility. Usually a 24 hour stay for observation or a residential long-term treatment is required. Plastic surgery is also an option but is not typically effective in curing the patient; many times this treatment backfires and causes the disorder to become more severe. The problem with the surgical approach is that the “fix” is still not enough for a person with BDD so they continue with more surgeries and eventually are