Body Dysmorphic Disorder

What is Body Dysmorphia?

Many patients struggling with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder also exhibit symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. Rosewood recognizes the seriousness of body dysmorphia and provides comprehensive treatment as is coexists with other eating disorders. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health illness characterized by a perception of outward physical defects – defects that, to others, are minor or even nonexistent. For those suffering with body dysmorphia, however, these perceived flaws in appearance are overwhelmingly exaggerated and can cause deep emotional turmoil, shame, embarrassment and self-hatred. Body dysmorphic disorder patients can spend up to several hours a day obsessing over their imperfections and not be able to understand why. Unfortunately, body dysmorphic disorder has been significantly under-diagnosed, because BDD patients do not share the normal symptoms of other eating disorders. The lack of awareness and education surrounding body dysmorphia can make it difficult for people to recognize the seriousness of the condition and seek proper medical treatment. No one with body dysmorphia should have to live in the dark anymore – help is available.

Rosewood Can Help

At Rosewood Centers, we understand the complexity and seriousness of body dysmorphia and provide comprehensive body dysmorphic disorder treatment to heal the condition at its roots – not just treat the symptoms. Like other eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, body dysmorphic disorder is often associated with other mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, panic, or depression. Rosewood’s body dysmorphia treatment process involves a complete intake evaluation to diagnose the presence of co-occurring disorders and understand the history and needs of every patient to personalize treatment. Our multidisciplinary team will consider each unique case of body dysmorphia to develop a comprehensive and individualized recovery plan designed to treat all aspect of self – mind, body, and spirit.

Understanding Body Dysmorphia

Most everyone has certain features in their appearance that they do not favor – bad acne, crooked teeth, big feet, and the list goes on. Although we may dislike certain physical imperfections, they don’t detrimentally affect our self-esteem or interfere with our daily activities. This is not the case for people living with a full body dysmorphic condition. Living with body dysmorphia is a different story. People living with body dysmorphia have a deeply flawed self-image and fixate over their imperfections every single day. They cannot shake their negative thoughts or their obsessive preoccupation with their flaws. The perceived flaw can by virtually anywhere on the body, but most commonly located on the stomach, thighs, nose, skin or body hair. Although signs of a body dysmorphia condition can differ person-to-person and range from mild to severe, the following are common symptoms:

• Daily thoughts about appearance
• Obsessive interaction with mirrors and reflective surfaces (either spending time looking in mirrors or avoiding them altogether)
• Excessive exercise
• Camouflaging flaws through use of scarves, hats, clothes, or make-up
• Compulsive skin picking, tweezing, and grooming
• Seeking plastic surgery, cosmetic treatments, or dermatological advice
• Social anxiety disorder symptoms (absences at school, work or other social functions during a body dysmorphia flare-up)
• Only leaving the house at night when physical will be less noticeable
• Introversive tendencies
• Feelings of depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive behavior, or borderline personality disorder
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Stigma & Awareness

Many people who suffer from body dysmorphia do not understand the intricacy of their feelings and do not know where to turn. Oftentimes, the shame and fear associated with their imperfections prevents individuals from seeking any professional help. Many body dysmorphia patients also assume that their perceived imperfections could be interpreted as shallowness, and, as a result, do not seek help to avoid the stigma of vanity. Sadly, knowledge of body dysmorphia among general practitioners is also limited and can often be misinterpreted as depression or social anxiety. The lack of awareness in the medical world can further isolate BDD patients and discourage them from pursuing treatment. It’s very important to seek help from a professional center that specializes in body dysmorphia diagnosis and treatment – a treatment center that understands the feelings you are experiencing and can meet you where you are.

Treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Rosewood Centers proudly and compassionately serves men and women suffering with body dysmorphia as it cooccurs with other eating disorders in a safe and supportive environment, free of judgment. Our treatment center provides diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder and customizes treatment to meet the needs of every patient. Our approach to treatment involves integrative, holistic and traditional techniques designed to heal the root of the body dysmorphia condition and plant seeds for long-term recovery. Rosewood’s staff of doctors, psychiatrists, physicians, therapists, addiction specialists, and nurses is highly knowledgeable of body dysmorphic disorder and will be with you every step of the way during your recovery. Not only is Rosewood’s multidisciplinary team top in their field of expertise, they are passionate about providing the best patient care and service. They are professionals who are deeply invested in your recovery process and will be knowledgeable confidants throughout your life-changing journey.

Rosewood’s Treatment Process

Intake Assessment: Rosewood’s intake evaluation is thorough, comprehensive, confidential, and personalized. Every patient has his or her unique story and reason for seeking treatment. The purpose of the intake assessment is to learn all about you – your history, your concerns, and your needs. The evaluation will consist of a stabilization assessment (to, first and foremost, make sure you are safe), medical history review (to give insights into previous challenges you have faced), comprehensive interview (to learn about your behaviors, concerns, and goals), and physical exam (to assess the present state of your health). This process will help our team of doctors assess the severity of the body dysmorphic disorder and identify the presence of any other coexisting disorders. Recommend a Program: The initial evaluation will help our doctors recommend a type of program that will benefit the recovery needs of every patient facing body dysmorphia and other eating disorders. Rosewood Centers offer the following types of programs:

• Inpatient Treatment Program
• Residential Treatment Program
• Extended Day Treatment Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Transitional Living Program

Personalized Treatment Plan: This is the stage where the true healing begins. Rosewood Centers’ body dysmorphia disorder treatment plans are customized to meet the distinct needs and goals of every patient who walks through our doors. Our treatment integrates a variety of innovative and traditional approaches to healing, including nutritional therapy, holistic techniques, and more. Learn more about our treatment processes here.   If you suspect that you or someone you know may be living with body dysmorphia, we sincerely encourage you to seek help from a compassionate treatment center who is knowledgeable and experienced. Please call one of Rosewood’s treatment specialists at 1 (844) 334-7879 for more information on body dysmorphic disorder, our approach to BDD treatment, or our treatment facility amenities. Our caring specialists are standing by 24/7 to speak with you and address any and all questions or concerns you may have.