Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?

Question

Okay, I have a problem, recently i've been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and I also believe, unfortunately, that I MAY have Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Its quite a strange thing to have, because everyone that I have met has told me that I am really good looking, and every time im in public I get flirtatious stares every now and then... but my perception of myself is vastly different. When I look in the mirror I think I look disgusting (my face), like certain features are warped and I am too fixated on them and I so badly wish i could just surgically fix them. Many people say that there is nothing wrong and I feel like I'm the only one that sees it. I't has also become something like OCD because some days I would be so fixated in the mirror thinking that something is wrong, like my nose, hair, teeth, lips!!! it drives me crazy and sometimes I wouldn't leave my house. So what do you think? Do I have it? How can I fit it? Right now i'm on Celexa (Citalopram) and I was on it before, and it kind of helped but when I was done my prescription it just came right back.

This has been going on since I was in grade 6-7 (puberty hit) and I'm 19 years of age

thanks guys/gals :)

Answer 1

That's pretty much the stereotypical definition of BDD!  I have mild phobias about my stomach being "gross," and so I do relate.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is pretty much the standard treatment of BDD and any type of OCD spectrum disorder.  Medication helps (for me, it's essential- I have OCD), but therapy really cements the process.  It can actually cause positive changes to the brain.

Check out www.ocfoundation.org (body dysmorphic disorder is considered an OCD-spectrum disorder) for therapist referrals.

Answer 2

it sounds as though you may have BDD.

the best thing to do for this is to seek help.

I suggest seeing a therapist to help you.

I wish you the best.

Answer 3

I had BDD when I was 14/15, wasn't diagnosed with it because I kept it quiet I knew because I had all the characteristics, my behaviour was the same as you mentioned.

Kept thinking something was wrong with me. Fixated on mirrors and almost afraid to look in them at times.

But in my mind I wasn't totally convinced that something was wrong. It was like I couldn't decide.

Then I heard about BDD and I knew straight away what it was and felt a bit relieved because I knew it was all in my head. I think you're more prone to it in your teens. I'm 18 now and even though I'm very happy with myself I still get that little pang now and again.

You just have to realise it's a mindfuck (exqueeze teh language :o) not as easy as it sounds but it's true.

Answer 4

There is a solution stop looking at yourself in the mirror. I mean why torture yourself?

Just go by what others told you.

Problem solved.