BDD) is a relatively common yet often unrecognized body image disorder that can leave people completely preoccupied with their appearance. It can be severe, leaving those with the condition in distress withthoughts of their perceived flaws in their appearance. They believe there's something wrong with how they look, even if others do not see it. Some people can continue to function just fine, but for others, it can be debilitating and can impact their daily lives.
People who suffer from BDD are obsessed with a certain area of their body, which can include anything from their skin, eyes or nose to hair,weight or even the shape of their face. As a result, those with the disorder will attempt to mask or hide their perceived flaws, and often go through excessive grooming treatments, frequently check mirrors and ask others for reassurance, among other obsessive habits.
According to from Katherine Phillips, MD, of theat Rhode Island Hospital and Canice Crerand, PhD, of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, up to 31 percent of people who suffer from this very real disorder seek help in the form of plastic surgery such as breast augmentation or rhinoplasty,or minimally invasive procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and injectable fillers. Their research also indicates that seven to eight percent of all plastic surgery patients in the United Statesmay suffer from BDD.
While in theory that should help with their obsession, the researchers' findings indicate that only two percent of those who go through cosmetic or minimally invasive procedures actually experience any long-term benefit from it. They either return to the same obsession or become fixated on another body part.
Their findings also indicate that physicians were significantly less likely to refuse a surgical or minimally invasive treatment than other procedures (dermatological, dental and others). Phillips says, "This suggests that many surgeons were not aware of the patient's BDD or do not consider BDD a contraindication to treatment. In a survey of 265 cosmetic surgeons, only 30 percent believed that BDD was always a contraindication to surgery."
As a result of their findings, the researchers believe that if a patient has BDD, they should not be allowed to undergo the requested cosmetic surgery or procedureas it is not a cure for their condition. Phillips points out, "Physicians need to be aware that psychiatric treatments for BDD such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a medication)and cognitive behavioral therapy appear to be effective for what can be a debilitating disorder."
If you think you may have BDD, you can take a self-screening test . Treatment is available throughthe body image program at Rhode Island Hospital. For more information you can call them at 401-444-1644.
Do you have or do you know someone with BDD? Did you take the test? Share your experience -- it could help other readers.
People who suffer from BDD are obsessed with a certain area of their body, which can include anything from their skin, eyes or nose to hair,weight or even the shape of their face. As a result, those with the disorder will attempt to mask or hide their perceived flaws, and often go through excessive grooming treatments, frequently check mirrors and ask others for reassurance, among other obsessive habits.
According to from Katherine Phillips, MD, of theat Rhode Island Hospital and Canice Crerand, PhD, of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, up to 31 percent of people who suffer from this very real disorder seek help in the form of plastic surgery such as breast augmentation or rhinoplasty,or minimally invasive procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and injectable fillers. Their research also indicates that seven to eight percent of all plastic surgery patients in the United Statesmay suffer from BDD.
While in theory that should help with their obsession, the researchers' findings indicate that only two percent of those who go through cosmetic or minimally invasive procedures actually experience any long-term benefit from it. They either return to the same obsession or become fixated on another body part.
Their findings also indicate that physicians were significantly less likely to refuse a surgical or minimally invasive treatment than other procedures (dermatological, dental and others). Phillips says, "This suggests that many surgeons were not aware of the patient's BDD or do not consider BDD a contraindication to treatment. In a survey of 265 cosmetic surgeons, only 30 percent believed that BDD was always a contraindication to surgery."
As a result of their findings, the researchers believe that if a patient has BDD, they should not be allowed to undergo the requested cosmetic surgery or procedureas it is not a cure for their condition. Phillips points out, "Physicians need to be aware that psychiatric treatments for BDD such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (a medication)and cognitive behavioral therapy appear to be effective for what can be a debilitating disorder."
If you think you may have BDD, you can take a self-screening test . Treatment is available throughthe body image program at Rhode Island Hospital. For more information you can call them at 401-444-1644.
Do you have or do you know someone with BDD? Did you take the test? Share your experience -- it could help other readers.
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