Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
This is an anxiety disorder related to body image.
Not everyone with BDD has an eating disorder and not everyone with an eating disorder has BDD.
Signs
- Obsessive thoughts about one or more perceived flaws in your physical appearance
- Developing compulsive behaviours like checking mirrors all the time or picking your skin to deal with worries about your body
- If you have BDD these thoughts and behaviours will affect your daily life and cause emotional distress
- Other symptoms like anxiety and feelings of shame
- Isolating yourself from others
- Depression or anxiety
- Self harm
Symptoms
- Checking your appearance in mirrors
- Wearing lots of makeup
- Changing your posture
- Seeking constant reassurance
- Exercising excessively
- Frequent body checking
- Picking your skin
- Tanning
- Frequent weighing
- Brushing or styling your hair
- Comparing yourself with others
- Cosmetic surgery to change your appearance
Causes
- Abuse
- Bullying
- Low self esteem
- Fear of being alone
- Perfectionism
- OCD
Finding help
There are a number of national charities that are specialists in eating disorders. BEAT/Bulimia UK and overeaters anonymous are just a couple – You can see all of them via our national services section
We have also talked to a number of people on the chat chit podcast about their experiences including the eating disorders team at CAMHS in York who have some tips for you.