[ad_1]
I have body dysmorphia. I have tried very hard to overcome it,” filmmaker Karan Johar shared in a recent interview with journalist Faye D’Souza. Opening up about his debilitating condition, he said how it often leads to “panic attacks” and discomfort during situations involving intimacy.
But Johar is not the first celeb to come out openly about this mental health condition, known as body dysmorphia disorder (BDD). Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sonam Kapoor have also admitted to facing similar struggles in the past. In Hollywood, actors who are otherwise famous for their exemplary bodies, such as Robert Pattinson and Megan Fox, have admitted to having BDD. In an interview with Sports Illustrated last year, Fox said, “There has never been a time in my life when I loved my body, never.”
But BDD is not just limited to celebs. Faridabad-based psychiatrist Dr Meenakshi Manchanda says, “The prevalence of BDD in India is around 1-2%, and the disorder usually appears between the ages of 16 and 17.”
What is BDD?
BDD is defined as a serious mental health condition in which a person becomes obsessed with perceived flaws or defects in their appearance. This constant self-checking increases anxiety, which leads a person to engage in behaviors such as constantly looking in the mirror, excessive grooming, or even seeking unnecessary cosmetic procedures.
What causes BDD?
The exact cause of body dysmorphia is unknown. The disorder can affect both men and women, although it is reported more frequently in women. “The onset of BDD often coincides with critical periods of physical and emotional development, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial,” explains Dr. Manchanda.
In addition, social media can also play a role in influencing body image perception. “The culture of using filters and altering physical features often leads to unrealistic beauty and body standards, especially among young adults. The culture of trolling and bullying on social media can also lead to embarrassment about one’s body features,” says Dr Manchanda.
How is BDD different from common body image problems?
“BDD differs from normal concerns about appearance in terms of its intensity and impact,” says Dr Meenakshi Manchanda, a Faridabad-based psychiatrist. “Individuals with BDD worry about perceived defects in their physical appearance, which they believe make them look ugly, abnormal, or deformed. These worries are unwanted, time-consuming, and difficult to control,” she adds.
While many people occasionally worry about their appearance, people with BDD have worries that are intense, unwanted, and seriously interfere with daily functioning.
Finding the right treatment
Diagnosing BDD involves a thorough assessment by a mental health professional, explains Dr Sneha Sharma, consultant psychiatrist, Aakash Healthcare, “It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of BDD to receive an assessment and diagnosis from qualified mental health professionals, who can provide appropriate treatment and support.”
Highlighting the importance of therapy, Dr Santosh Chavan, consultant psychiatrist at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, says, “Treatment options include medications that can reduce obsessive thoughts and behaviours, as well as depression and anxiety. Therapy is an essential part of treatment, with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) being particularly effective.” Besides being responsible for BDD, social media can also play a role in influencing body image perceptions. “The culture of using filters and altering physical features often leads to unrealistic beauty and body standards, especially in young adults. The culture of trolling and bullying on social media can also lead to embarrassment about one’s body features,” says Dr Manchanda.
Dr Paramjit Singh, consultant psychiatrist at PSRI Hospital, Delhi, emphasises the importance of self-care strategies to deal with the disorder: “Use self-help materials to deal with it.”
Develop coping methods. Engage in activities that boost self-esteem such as celebrating personal success.”
[ad_2]
