The Research Behind Consumus

Psychology of Body Appearance

What are normal concerns about appearance? Majority of people are concerned about their appearance. People spend large quantities of time prepping themselves every morning before work, choosing the right clothes to wear and constantly checking themselves in the mirror. But there are a lot of people that have diagnosed disorders when it comes to body appearance.

Definition of BDD People who become engrossed over perfection, and have body image problems during and after adolescence, usually see themselves as not perfect and may create a tainted image of their face and body. This perception can manifest to eating disorders and/or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with BDD take obsession with physical appearance one step further and obsess over tiny imperfections such as freckles, thinking they have too many wrinkles on their hands or having dry skin to name a few. (Body Dysmorphic Disorder, 2006)

Experts say that people with BDD often:

    Body Imperfections?
  • complain about their appearance, focusing on particular traits *
  • look in the mirror frequently constantly fix, adjust, or hide their perceived flaws *
  • talk constantly about their perceived flaws *
  • ask others over and over for confirmation or reassurance about their appearance *
  • avoid situations where their flaws might be seen *

* (Body Dysmorphic Disorder, 2006)

Other facts about BDD are listed below.

  • BDD affects 1 to 2 percent of adults in the United States. *s
  • Some people have unnecessary plastic surgery or go to great lengths to change or hide aspects of their appearance. *
  • The average age of onset is 17 years. *

* (Slaughter & Sun, 1999)

RESOLUTION

Participate in the discussion of this topic.
1. Seeking treatment from a mental health professional or at worst your physician.
2. Talk to your doctor about treatment options which may include drugs such as SSRI.
3. Find a specialized treatment center for help.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

(If you have an article that you would like to contribute, and is relative to the current topic please submit.)
1. Body Dysmorphic Disorder
2. What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?
3. Body Image Problems and Kids

REFERENCES
1. http://www.aafp.org/afp/991015ap/1738.html. In Pursuit of Perfection: A Primary Care Physician's Guide to Body Dysmorphic Disorder. James R. Slaughter, M.D., and Ann M. Sun, M.D. 1999
2. http://www.humanillnesses.com/Behavioral-Health-A-Br/Body-Dysmorphic-Disorder.html. Body Dysmorphic Disorder. 2006

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