Final answer:
Body dysmorphic disorder is characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance and can lead to extensive grooming, mirror checking, social avoidance, and dissatisfaction post cosmetic procedures. It overlaps with anorexia nervosa, a type of eating disorder, but not all BDD patients have an eating disorder. Treatment usually consists of therapy and medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws in one's appearance, which are often not noticeable to others. Symptoms include excessive grooming, frequently checking mirrors, avoiding social situations due to feelings of self-consciousness, and seeking multiple cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction. Individuals with BDD may also display behaviors similar to eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, which is denoted by a severe restriction of food intake due to an obsessive fear of gaining weight and an unrealistic perception of one's body size, often leading to a significantly low body weight. It's important to note that while anorexia nervosa can be a manifestation of BDD, not everyone with BDD has an eating disorder.
Some other symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder can include: feeling a need to apply makeup excessively, body language that reflects a lack of confidence, obsession over body mass index (BMI) readings, and persistent beliefs that one has bodily defects leading to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. Extreme focus on body image can lead to avoidance of daily activities and can negatively impact the individual's quality of life.
It's crucial for those who suspect they may be suffering from BDD to seek professional help. Treatment options often include cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication to help manage symptoms. A detailed understanding of BDD can be found in Phillips, K. (2005). The broken mirror: Understanding and treating body dysmorphic disorder.