Body Dysmorphic Disorder
March 28, 2008
Is everyone happy with the way they look? Not all, but most of us lose weight, change our hairstyle, get into new wardrobe and get some TLC from our loved ones and we are good to go. But some people are so affected by media, models, fashion divas and celebrities that they have this nagging urge to keep refining their looks. They will go to any extremes, do whatever is necessary to fix their flaws. Such people suffer from body dysmorphic disorder.
Patients suffering from body dysmorphic disorder are obsessed about their looks and this dissatisfaction affects their daily living. This constant preoccupation disrupts their social and occupational skills. Body dysmorphic disorder branches out to another extreme health hazard known as muscle dysmoprhoia. This is commonly found in men. The characteristic sign of muscle dysmoprhoia is that the person perceives himself to be grossly out of shape and involves in extreme workouts. He takes excess of protein supplements, vitamins and steroids in the hope of that desired shape. Read Dangers Of Extreme Workout.
Common Obsessions Of Body Dysmorphic Disorder Skin Problems:
They fuss about acne marks, scars, blemishes, pigmentation and skin color. Some want their skin tanned while others want to look fairer.
Skin Problems: They fuss about acne marks, scars, blemishes, pigmentation and skin color. Some want their skin tanned while others want to look fairer.
Hair Problems: Women want the perfect wave or perfect bounce in their hair. They will try hair bonding, perm and every treatment necessary for that celebrity look. Jennifer Aniston’s haircut is one classic style which women emulate worldwide. Men are not far behind as they tend to bald. They too go to any length to get a thick hair growth. Laser hair removal is widely used by both men and women to get rid of unwanted hair in every section of the body.
Problem With Facial Features: The nose is the most common concern followed by flaws of the forehead, jaw line, teeth and ears. Face lift and cosmetic surgeries are done often as they are never satisfied with their self-image.
Problem With Body Image: Women want bigger breasts, slimmer thighs, arms, shapely buttocks and hips. Men too go under the knife to enhance various body parts.
People suffering from body dysmorphic disorder are very anxious and self-conscious. They have a very low opinion of themselves and lack self esteem. They stunt their emotional and physical growth with starvation, going on various fad diets, taking fat dissolving pills, laxatives and hunger suppressants. They severely harm their metabolic rate, menstrual cycle and natural growth.
Over a period of time many such sufferers may fall into depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobia. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) from trained psychologists and therapists is a must. They will know how to be patient with them, encourage them and monitor their behaviour.
Body dysmorphic disorder is commonly found but not recognised by many. Its causes are yet to be clinically defined but it is how people perceive and compare themselves with airbrushed models and celebrities in magazines and billboards. It is time we look within ourselves and wonder are we a victim too.
©Nayna, 2007-2008. All Rights Reserved.
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