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Gender-Specific Treatment Options for Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Contributor: Courtney Howard, BA, writer for Eating Disorder Hope
Approximately 1 percent of the general population struggles with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). There are varying claims on the prevalence of BDD in men versus in women, but the fact remains that it affects both sexes. Though symptoms typically present differently in men than in women, most treatment options are applicable to either.
What Exactly is BDD?
This disorder is characterized by obsession over an individual’s perceived physical flaws and engaging in behaviors to minimize or correct these flaws. These thoughts and behaviors have to cause significant distress and interfere with an individual’s daily life for a BDD diagnosis to be made. Many people are embarrassed to admit their preoccupation with physical appearance out of fear they will be judged as “vain” or “superficial.” This keeps many from seeking professional help.
Many mental health conditions often co-occur with BDD, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. In order to be diagnosed with BDD, the body dysmorphia has to be independent from that often associated with anorexia nervosa and related eating disorders.
BDD can make it difficult to build and maintain relationships, often leading to social withdrawal. A 2008 article [1] on the disorder confirms, “The types of bodily concerns tend to vary with gender; however, similarities include single marital status (75 percent) and living with one’s parents (25 percent).” Unemployment is also common among this population.
Gender Differences Associated with BDD
The main body parts males with BDD perceive as flawed include muscles, genitalia, and hair. Muscle dysmorphia, or bigorexia, is the perception that an individual’s body and muscles are too small. This can lead to obsessive body-building and disordered eating. Bigorexia is more common in men than in women.
Women with BDD typically have a distorted perception of their skin, nose, stomach, thighs, or breasts. Females typically turn to camouflaging (including elaborate make-up), skin-picking, and eating disorders as their maladaptive coping behaviors.
Despite these body parts most commonly associated with BDD, any part of the body can become the source of distress in either sex. Mirror-checking and body-checking are common among all individuals with BDD.
Gender-specific Treatment Options
This population often seeks out plastic surgery to correct perceived flaws, but this does not address the root of the disorder and is generally discouraged as a means of treatment. BDD is a mental health disorder that is best treated with a team of mental health professionals. Though BDD can affect men and women differently, most treatment options are applied to both sexes.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is recommended for anyone struggling with BDD. Individuals with muscle dysmorphia, predominantly men, and those with eating disorders might benefit most from including a registered dietician (R.D.) on their treatment team.
Prescription medications can also be used to address co-occurring conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that can reduce an individual’s obsessive-compulsive symptoms, making CBT and other forms of therapy more effective in the beginning stages of BDD treatment.
Whether struggling with muscle dysmorphia or other forms of BDD, professional help is available.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is manifested in a number of different ways, in what ways has your body image improved during your recovery?
About the Author: Courtney Howard is a Certified Life Coach specializing in eating disorders through Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching. As a content writer at the Sovereign Health Group while writing freelance through Eating Disorder Hope, Courtney is a passionate advocate for recovery and works to fight the stigma surrounding all mental health disorders. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate.
References:
[1]: Hunt, T., Thienhaus, O., Ellwood, A. (2008). “The Mirror Lies: Body Dysmorphic Disorder.” Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jul 15;78(2):217-222.The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on February 15, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
