Expectations of Beauty - Body Image Disorder

Expectations of Beauty - Body Image Disorder

It is natural for most people to feel some level of self-consciousness regarding their appearance in the presence of others. Women worry about things such as whether they are putting on weight or getting wrinkles; men worry about things such as losing their hair or how big their muscles are. But for some people, this concern rises past an unhealthy level and develops into a chronic mental condition known as Body Dysmorphic Disorder or Body Image Disorder. People who suffer from this disorder can't stop thinking about a flaw in their appearance that may be either minor or imagined. For victims of this disorder, this minor or imagined flaw seems so shameful they don't want to be seen by anyone.

Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder may include:

Preoccupation with physical appearance

Frequent examination in the mirror or, conversely, avoidance of mirrors

Belief that others take special notice of your appearance in a negative way

Extreme self-consciousness

Constantly seeking cosmetic procedures to "fix" perceived flaws without satisfaction

The need to seek reassurance about your appearance from others

Excessive grooming, such as hair plucking

Skin picking

Refusal to appear in pictures

Avoidance of social situations

The need to wear excessive makeup or clothing to hide perceived flaws

This chronic mental condition, often referred to as "imagined ugliness," can arise as a result of childhood teasing or societal expectations of beauty. For most people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder or Body Image Disorder, the majority of their attention focuses on one particular part of their body. This could be any bodily attribute, but some of the more commonly seen features include:

Nose

Hair

Skin

Complexion

Wrinkles

Acne and blemishes

Baldness

Breast size

Muscle size

Genitalia

Treatment for this chronic condition often includes medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. However, left untreated, this condition can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior, repeated hospitalizations, difficulty attending work or school, lack of self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression or mood disorders, social phobia, substance abuse, or a lack of close relationships. Because of the possibility of these traumatic consequences, it is important to seek help if you or a loved one is impacted by the symptoms listed above.

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