Body Dysmorphia: Understanding the Disorder
Body dysmorphia is a mental health disorder where a person becomes overly concerned with perceived flaws in their appearance. Individuals with body dysmorphia often focus on these “flaws,” which may be minor or nonexistent, and this preoccupation can lead to significant distress and negatively affect their daily life. While it’s normal to have occasional thoughts about improving one’s appearance, for those with body dysmorphia, these concerns are constant and overwhelming, leading them to engage in behaviors like checking, fixing, or hiding their bodies.
Causes of Body Dysmorphia
The exact cause of body dysmorphia isn’t fully understood, but several factors can contribute to the development of this disorder:
Genetics
Body dysmorphia tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. Studies show that approximately 8% of people with body dysmorphia have a close family member with the same disorder or another related mental health issue. This indicates that genetic predisposition may play a role in its development.
Low Self-Esteem/Fear of Rejection
Teens with low self-esteem may focus on parts of their body they dislike, believing that changing their appearance will make them feel better or more accepted. The fear of rejection can also play a role, as they may feel that altering their appearance will help them fit in or avoid judgment from peers.
Perfectionism or Comparison
Social media, advertisements, movies, and magazines often promote unrealistic beauty standards. Teens may internalize these ideals, believing their body doesn’t meet these standards. Constant exposure to “idealized” images can create negative thoughts and unrealistic expectations about their own appearance, which can fuel body dysmorphia.
Signs of Body Dysmorphia
Recognizing the signs of body dysmorphia is important in helping someone who may be struggling with the disorder. Some common signs include:
Preoccupation with or Distress About Appearance
Teens with body dysmorphia may become fixated on a perceived flaw, which might be small or even imaginary. They often can’t stop thinking about this flaw and may feel extreme distress, anxiety, or anger about their appearance. This can lead to significant emotional and psychological strain.
Repetitive Checking or Fixing of the Body
People with body dysmorphia often feel compelled to check or “fix” their appearance repeatedly. For example, they may constantly ask others how to change their appearance or perform actions like checking themselves in mirrors or taking excessive photos.
Negative Thoughts and Avoidance of Social Situations
Teens with body dysmorphia often experience distorted views of their bodies, focusing on perceived flaws that others may not notice at all. They may avoid social situations, refuse to be seen in public, or hide their bodies with clothing or makeup to cover perceived imperfections. In extreme cases, they might stay home or avoid going out altogether to prevent exposure to others.
How Can You Help?
Body dysmorphia is a serious condition that requires support, patience, and understanding. While it may not resolve quickly, there are steps you can take to help a loved one cope with the disorder:
- Encourage Participation in Family and Social Activities
Encourage your child or loved one to join family events or social gatherings, as this can help reduce feelings of isolation and promote positive engagement. - Be Patient and Supportive
Be understanding of their struggles. Show patience and offer support, recognizing that their concerns are real and difficult to manage. - Avoid Lecturing or Pressuring
It’s important not to lecture or pressure your child to simply “get over” their body dysmorphia. Pushing them to change or dismissing their feelings can make them feel invalidated and worsen their distress. - Listen Without Judging
Be a good listener. Allow them to express their feelings and concerns without judgment. This can help build trust and provide them with emotional support. - Create a Positive Home Environment
Foster a supportive and positive atmosphere at home. Encourage healthy discussions about body image, and model self-acceptance and compassion.
