BODY DYSMORPHIA

A belief about what your body should look like. It is perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance. People with Body Dysmorphia constantly seek reassurance that their appearance is acceptable. Some individuals become preoccupied with finding medical procedures that will fix the perceived flaw. 

Signs of Body Dysmorphia: 

♦ Excessive amounts of time in front of the mirror. 

♦ A strong belief that a perceived defect makes you ugly or deformed. 

♦ Overuse of makeup and other beauty products. 

♦ Seeking out multiple cosmetic procedures with little satisfaction

♦Avoiding social situations. 

 Types:

1. Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image leading to significant weight loss.
2. Bulimia Nervosa: Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting.
3. Binge Eating Disorder: Characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food, often quickly and to the point of discomfort, without compensatory behaviors.
4. Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders (OSFED): A category for eating disorders that don’t fully meet the criteria for the above categories but still cause significant distress or impairment.

Impact: Eating disorders can lead to severe physical health issues, including malnutrition, heart problems, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as psychological consequences like anxiety, depression, and social isolation. While BDD and eating disorders can occur independently, they often overlap. Many individuals with eating disorders may also experience body dysmorphia, focusing intensely on perceived flaws that drive their disordered eating behaviors. Both conditions can be rooted in societal pressures, low self-esteem, and trauma, making integrated treatment approaches essential for effective recovery.

At Lighthouse Counseling Services, we understand the profound impact that body image issues can have on emotional well-being. We are committed to helping you navigate these challenges by providing support, education, and strategies to enhance your mental health. Our goal is to empower you to move past these concerns and foster a healthier relationship with your body and self-image. 

See below for a therapist who can help ⬇️

Dallin Howard