Body Dysmorphic Disorder Research
Perceived Flaws and Imperfections Lead to a Distorted Sense of Self
Americans have been seeking nip and tuck cosmetic plastic surgery and breast implants to quell obsession
Dysmorphophobia, or Body Dysmorphic Disorder, affects nearly 3 million Americans. These individuals have perceived flaws and imperfections that they obsessively hide from the world.
Their distorted senses of self often lead to cosmetic plastic surgery such as breast implants, firming and lifting procedures, and minor nips and tucks in hopes of “perfecting” what they see as a failing.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Those who suffer from BDD commonly hide their beliefs and behavior from those around them by becoming private and sometimes not leaving their homes. They op for surgeries to change their appearance, which they find they can never get to be flawless.
Fear pervades this disorder and the dread of being ugly and physically imperfect creates deep shame. Individuals are also often depressed and have suicidal tendencies. Both men and women have been diagnosed equally, unlike other eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.
Brain Adbnormalities
New research on BDD has revealed that sufferers may have abnormal brain structures and activity that can be monitored. Sanjaya Saxena, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, has begun this study as the first of its kind in the world.
Him and his team will examine how treatment can be changed by using positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore how the brain works in people who have Body Dysmorphic Disorder.
“Patients with body dysmorphic disorder are preoccupied with some perceived flaw,” said Saxena. “Some exhibit severe avoidance, for example, they will only go out of their homes when it’s dark, or camouflage themselves in public.
“Patients with BDD truly fear or even believe that they are ugly, and the condition is associated with shame and a high rate of depression and suicide” (University of California, San Diego Health Sciences, 2007).
Treatment
Psychiatric treatment of BBD is often complicated, as many factors contribute to the disorder. The hospital says that usually therapy combined with medication, such as serotonin uptake inhibitors (SRI’s), will be combined for a complete recovery.
Also Under Investigation
Saxena’s study will also take a look at Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Compulsive Hoarding. Subjects who are accepted into the study will also be given a 12 week investigational study at no cost to them.
Find Out More
If you are interested in learning more about this research or taking part in the study, please contact the UCSD Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Program at (858) 534-8056.
