{"id":1402,"date":"2019-09-26T18:58:49","date_gmt":"2019-09-26T22:58:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drquintal.com\/?p=1402"},"modified":"2019-10-06T19:09:12","modified_gmt":"2019-10-06T23:09:12","slug":"common-signs-of-body-dysmorphic-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drquintal.com\/common-signs-of-body-dysmorphic-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the Most Common Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD, affects about one in fifty people. In the U.S., an estimated five to ten million people have BDD. BDD can be incredibly debilitating and disruptive.<\/h2>\n

Patients can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived flaws in their appearance. To other people, this perceived flaw is either non-existent or hardly noticeable. People with BDD<\/a> may feel so anxious or worried about their appearance; they will avoid social gatherings. Unfortunately, untreated BDD can lead to depression, anxiety, and other complications that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.<\/p>\n

What causes BDD?<\/h3>\n

No one knows the exact causes of mental health conditions like BDD. But there are a few things that can contribute to the onset of the disease. Certain risk factors can also increase a person’s chances of developing the disorder.<\/p>\n

Brain Structure<\/h4>\n

Scientists believe that physical abnormalities in brain structure can contribute to the onset of BDD<\/a>. Neurochemical imbalances may also cause BDD symptoms. Neurochemical imbalances also play a role in the symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. This is one reason why medications can influence symptom manifestation and severity.<\/p>\n

Genetics<\/h4>\n

Having a blood relative with BDD or OCD can increase someone’s chances of getting body dysmorphic disorder. However, genes are not solely to blame for the condition. Genetics do not doom someone to getting BDD.<\/p>\n

Environmental Factors<\/h4>\n

A person’s environment, culture, and lifetime experiences are thought to cause BDD in some patients. Extreme, adverse social events centering around a person’s appearance can contribute to BDD symptoms. Experiencing childhood abuse, neglect, and bullying may also increase a person’s risk of contracting BDD. Cultural pressure to be attractive is also a risk factor.<\/p>\n

Personality Traits<\/h4>\n

An individual’s inherent personality traits can also make them susceptible to mental illness. People who are naturally perfectionistic and have a stereotypical Type A personality may be more likely to get BDD.<\/p>\n

Co-occurring Disorders<\/h4>\n

People who have another psychiatric diagnosis may be more susceptible to BDD symptoms. Anxiety disorders and depression are the most common co-occurring disorders in BDD patients.<\/p>\n

Common Signs and Symptoms of BDD<\/h3>\n

Most patients start experiencing BDD symptoms as teens. Men and women can both develop the condition. But for men with BDD, a preoccupation with body size and muscle mass is rarely seen in female patients. BDD patients aren’t always aware of the disorder. Some patients are aware enough to realize they’re perceptions about their body may not be accurate, while others may be wholly convinced their perceived flaws are real. BDD signs and symptoms include the following:<\/p>\n