Body dysmorphic disorder

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Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) (pronunciation: /ˈbɒdi dɪsˈmɔːrfɪk dɪsˈɔːrdər/) is a mental disorder characterized by the obsessive idea that some aspect of one's own body part or appearance is severely flawed and warrants exceptional measures to hide or fix it.

Etymology

The term "Body Dysmorphic Disorder" is derived from the Greek words 'dys' meaning bad or difficult, 'morph' meaning shape or form, and 'disorder' referring to an abnormal condition.

Symptoms

People with BDD are preoccupied with one or more perceived flaws in their physical appearance, which to others may be minor or not observable. They may also display behaviors such as mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, and reassurance seeking. BDD often co-occurs with depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Causes

While the exact cause of BDD is unknown, it may be associated with genetics, neurobiological factors such as malfunctioning of serotonin in the brain, personality traits, and life experiences.

Treatment

Treatment for BDD often involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps a person learn to recognize irrational thoughts and change negative thinking patterns. Medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help relieve the obsessive and compulsive symptoms of BDD.

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