There are many reasons to be cognizant of and intentional about screen time for those in your care.
One area psychologists have been exploring with increasing urgency is the proliferation of selfie culture and appearance-focused social media, which some researchers believe may contribute to a co-existing rise in body dysmorphia among teens and young adults.
Body dysmorphia is an important topic to explore, especially as we consider its connections to eating disorders, mental health challenges, and other pressures facing young people today.
Because body dysmorphic disorder most commonly develops during adolescence and early adulthood, parents, caregivers, and educators should understand what it looks like, how it develops, and when professional support may be necessary.
What is body dysmorphia and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?
When people ask, “What is body dysmorphia?” they are generally referring to a distorted perception of physical appearance. Someone experiencing body dysmorphia may become intensely focused on a feature they believe is flawed, although that flaw is either minor or unnoticeable to others.
A person experiencing body dysmorphia may develop BDD, or body dysmorphic disorder, when these concerns about their personal appearance become persistent, distressing, and disruptive to daily life.
A psychiatric condition recognized in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is defined as “a preoccupation with a perceived defect or flaw in one’s physical appearance when, in fact, they appear normal. Often underrecognized, BDD is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by an all-consuming focus on perceived physical imperfections, leading to distressing repetitive actions and, at times, suicidal behavior and ideation. Individuals with BDD often seek unnecessary surgical interventions.”
It is important to recognize that BDD is much more than mere vanity or low self-esteem. It is a serious mental health condition that can affect relationships, academic performance, social participation, and overall quality of life.
What does body dysmorphia look or feel like?
Most young people worry about or obsess over their appearance to some extent. Puberty can bring significant physical changes, and adolescents often compare themselves with peers as they develop their sense of identity.
Body dysmorphic disorder goes beyond typical self-consciousness.
If concerns about appearance become excessive or significantly distressing and begin to impact a young person’s quality of life, they may be suffering from BDD.
Parents and caregivers may notice behaviors such as:
- Spending extended periods of time looking in mirrors
- Comparing their bodies with their friends and frequently discussing appearance
- Avoiding mirrors altogether
- Excessive grooming, makeup application, hair styling, or outfit changes
- Avoiding social situations, photographs, or public activities
- Constantly seeking reassurance about how they look
- Significant changes in eating, sleeping, hygiene, or daily routines
BDD is not a new phenomenon, although awareness of it has increased in recent years. The condition was first described more than a century ago by Italian psychiatrist Enrico Morselli, who coined the term “dysmorphophobia,” from the Greek “dysmorphia,” which refers to ugliness. Despite increased awareness, evidence suggests that BDD remains underdiagnosed.
Without treatment, BDD can significantly affect emotional well-being, relationships, academic performance, and overall functioning. In severe cases, it may also contribute to anxiety, depression, social isolation, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
What causes body dysmorphic disorder?
Researchers do not believe there is a single cause of body dysmorphic disorder. Instead, the condition appears to develop through a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, or other mental health conditions. Others may develop body image concerns after experiencing bullying, criticism, trauma, or negative comments regarding their appearance.
Social media has also become a growing concern among mental health professionals. Young people today are exposed to a constant stream of edited photographs, filters, curated content, and unrealistic beauty standards. While social media does not directly cause BDD, it can reinforce appearance-based comparisons and intensify existing insecurities.
It’s also important to remember that body dysmorphic disorder affects people of all genders. Although much of the discussion around body image focuses on girls and young women, boys and young men can experience BDD as well with concerns about muscularity, body size, facial features, skin, hair, or other physical characteristics.
Body dysmorphia and eating disorders
Body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders frequently overlap as both involve an intense focus on appearance, feelings of shame, distorted self-perception, and repetitive behaviors intended to improve or control one’s body.
For some individuals, concerns about body shape or weight may contribute to disordered eating patterns. For others, an existing eating disorder may reinforce negative beliefs about their appearance. Because of this, many treatment providers evaluate for several conditions when assessing a young person’s mental health needs.
How is body dysmorphic disorder treated?
The good news is that body dysmorphic disorder is treatable.
There are plenty of evidence-based mental health treatments designed to address distorted thought patterns, obsessive behaviors, anxiety, depression, and underlying emotional challenges that may contribute to symptoms.
Treatment for BDD often includes psychotherapy and may also involve addressing related concerns such as trauma, substance use, anxiety disorders, depression, or eating disorders. Because these conditions frequently occur together, comprehensive treatment can be an important part of long-term recovery.
Most importantly, no one should manage BDD alone. Recovery is possible within a supportive community, where individuals can learn healthier ways to view themselves, build self-confidence, and reduce the distress associated with negative body image.
Finding the right healthcare for your loved one at Turnbridge
Since 2018, Turnbridge has provided professional guidance and treatment for eating disorders, particularly for young people with severe cases who require more structured care.
Joy Zelikovsky, PSY.D., HSPP, M.A., M.PHIL.ED., M.S.ED, an experienced clinician who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and founder of Turnbridge’s eating disorder program nearly a decade ago, understands how “eating disorders have the highest fatality rate of any mental health condition. They are highly stigmatized, not well-understood by most people, difficult to detect by untrained professionals, and affect men and women of all ages—even children” (PR News, 2018).
Through its specialized programs, Turnbridge provides coordinated physical and mental healthcare for adolescents and young adults struggling with eating disorders, negative self-image, trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions that may contribute to body image concerns.
Individuals seeking support can learn more about Turnbridge’s specialized eating disorder treatment programs and broader mental health treatment services.
To learn more about mental health disorders or to seek the help of a mental health professional, do not hesitate to call Turnbridge. Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider with both inpatient and outpatient programs for young men and women. Call 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist today.