|
About
Description
History of BDD
Theories of Causes
Personal Accounts
Glossary of Terms
FAQ
|
|
What is BDD?
|
| 1
2 3 4
5 Next |
|
-"There is no
disorder in this disease. BDD is a natural response to unusual
circumstances."
|
This
section has been divided into three categories. First, you will
find a formal definition of the disorder. Second, is a personal
definition of the disorder, written by a victim of BDD. The third
section includes common behaviors associated with BDD.
|
What is BDD?
BDD, or Body Dysmorphic Disorder, has recently become a buzzword,
even though it has been around for quite some time. It was first
documented in 1886 by the researcher Morselli, who gave it the
initial title Dysmorphophobia. Over the past few years of researching,
I was surprised to find that almost every source of information
available on BDD has been taken directly from the DSM-IV (basically,
the psychologists' bible), which explains the symptoms in clinical
terms and offers no solutions. Although the DSM-IV definition
is a great way to find out what symptoms are required for a therapist
to diagnose BDD, it does not give any information on cures or
personal viewpoints from people with the disorder. It makes BDD
seem more like a label instead of set of maladaptive behaviors
that can be altered. What we need are more personal stories and
real life definitions that we can relate to, and leave the technical
stuff to the therapists and researchers. Therefore, I will list
the criteria found in the DSM-IV, but will also include subjective
information on the disorder from the perspective of people that
have it.
| Diagnostic
criteria for 300.7 Body Dysmorphic Disorder |
| A. |
Preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance. If
a slight physical anomaly is present, the person's concern
is markedly excessive. |
| B. |
The
preoccupation causes clinically significant distress or
impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas
of functioning. |
| C. |
The
preoccupation is not better accounted for by another mental
disorder (e.g., dissatisfaction with body shape and size
in Anorexia Nervosa). |
*Information
from p.468, DSM-IV, 1994, American Psychiatric Association
|
There
you have it, the criteria for diagnosing Body Dismorphic Disorder.
It sure seems simple for being such a complex disorder! I should
probably mention that it is unadvisable to diagnose yourself with
any disorder, as this should be left to highly skilled professionals.
Although, I must admit, I did not meet a single therapist, doctor,
or psychiatrist who knew what the disorder was until I recommended
they check it out in the DSM-IV! So, if you feel that the previous
set of criteria aptly describes what you or your somebody you
know are going through, please visit with a trained professional,
direct them to page 436 in the DSM-IV, and let them officially
diagnose you. I must say, I have also heard from several people
that have diagnosed themselves with BDD when they obviously don't
have any of the true symptoms,
so it is probably best to get the opinion of someone trained in
the field of psychology.
|
|
