Body Dysmorphia: How Common Is It?

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relatively common mental health condition in which a person is preoccupied with perceived flaws in their physical appearance. About one in 50 people are affected by body dysmorphia. BDD sufferers often develop compulsive behaviours like self-harm, excessive mirror checking, avoidance, self-loathing, depression and, in some cases, even suicidal thoughts.

According to a Mental Health Foundation study, one in eight adults experience suicidal thoughts. While many think it’s only women who are affected, it was revealed that one in 10 men experience suicidal thoughts over struggles with their body image.

While having insecurities can be normal, those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder may find their thoughts interfere with their ability to live normally. These people can often spend hours a day obsessing and worrying about how they look, which can impact their social and professional lives.

Despite body positivity getting more attention in the media today, BDD is still not uncommon. Body image issues are increasingly affecting people around the world and, while young adults are more likely to suffer from BDD, anyone can be affected by this disorder.

A recent study by sports nutrition company, Bulk, revealed that an astounding number of people around the world are searching for body editing apps. The ever increasing selfie culture undoubtedly has had an impact on the relationships people have with their bodies and desires to match an unrealistic beauty standard.

No one really knows the causes of BDD but it’s safe to assume social media and celebrity culture are among the triggers. Very few influencers post pictures without heavily editing them, which promotes unrealistic body image expectations. The countless number of face editing and body altering apps out there also do damage and contribute to people losing touch with what real people look like.

Unlike anorexia or other eating disorders, BDD is much harder to recognise and diagnose. Suffers often feel ashamed to reveal how they feel and conceal their symptoms. If you think you might have BDD, the first step is to contact your GP.  While there are no medications specifically approved for treating BDD, there are available treatments that help to decrease the effects of the disorder and improve daily life. Treatment for BDD often includes a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and medications. In some cases meditation and support groups can help too.

It is important to remember that mental health issues can affect anyone. Stigma around mental health continues to be widespread and is a huge barrier for people, but there is nothing to be ashamed of and it’s essential to seek help as soon as an issue arises. After all, the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can begin to feel better.