Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Non-surgical medical cosmetic treatments may be sought by people suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a body image problem: a preoccupation with perceived defects in appearance. Defects which other people can hardly notice or consider unimportant. Preoccupation along with significant distress or handicap in at least one area of one’s life. Surgical or Non-Surgical Cosmetic treatments will not correct the image concerns. A person with BDD has a distorted view of themselves. So having a negative self image is symptom of their anxiety and not the cause of it.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is actually an anxiety disorder. The anxiety and negative beliefs a sufferer holds about themselves provokes their obsession with their appearance. So treatment should be for anxiety and not the appearance. BDD can be very debilitating affecting employment and relationships. It can cause a person to avoid certain social situations or feel very self conscious. People with BDD may be compelled to repeat time consuming behaviours e.g. checking their appearance in mirrors or reflective surfaces. Compulsively feeling or picking their skin to make it smooth is another problem.

What causes Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

BDD affects men and women equally, usually developing in adolescence. No one knows what causes BDD. There may be a genetic predisposition or it could be due to bullying, abuse or low self esteem. It also may be related to unrealistic expectations or the seeking of perfection in ones appearance. People with BDD may also have clinical depression, social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). People with BDD often seek repeated surgical and non-surgical medical cosmetic treatment.These treatments do not give any satisfaction or relief because BDD is not vanity. Psychological or psychiatric treatment for anxiety disorder would lead to better outcomes.

Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Recommended treatments include cognitive behaviour therapy and certain (serotonergic) anti-depressants. Anti-depressants help people with BDD even including those who are not suffering with depression. It is my professional responsibility and duty of care to refuse to provide a treatment when I believe it may be of no benefit, or even cause complications. Non-Surgical Medical Cosmetic treatment is not available on demand although there will be Doctors, Nurses and others willing to take money from vulnerable sufferers of BDD desperately seeking treatment.

Help for Body Dysmorphic Disorder

If you think you or any one you know may be affected by BDD don’t be afraid to contact your GP or contact me, I will help you to find support and treatment.

Contact Mind

I do not charge for this service and will be glad to help, just call Chérie Scanlon RGN NIP BSc(Hons) 01253 738979 / 07787686253 or email: cherie@enhancinghealthandbeauty.com