English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

I'm writing a paper on Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), does anyone know of any theories that explain what causes BDD?

2006-12-14 16:18:23 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science Psychology

6 answers

There is a book called, "The Broken Mirror" by Katharine A. Phillips, M.D.
Check out Chapter 10

2006-12-14 16:32:13 · answer #1 · answered by mkjhfiuy 4 · 2 0

Hi, I looked it up and found some causes of body dysmorphic disorder at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3 They are chemical imbalances in the brain, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, and psychological, behavioral or cultural factors. If you go to http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder/DS00559/DSECTION=3 it will give you a more detailed explanation as to why those things can cause body dysmorphic disorder.

I hope this helps. Good luck and happy holidays!!

2006-12-14 16:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by ~*Tweety Gurl*~ 6 · 0 0

"BDD combines obsessive and compulsive aspects which has linked it to the OCD spectrum disorders among psychologists. It is thought to be closely related to Health Anxiety (Hypochondriasis). People with BDD may engage in compulsive mirror checking behaviors or mirror avoidance, typically think about their appearance for more than one hour a day and in severe cases may drop all social contact and responsibilities as they become homebound."
"BDD usually develops in adolescence a time when people are generally most sensitive about their appearance. However many sufferers leave it for years before seeking help. When they do seek help through mental health professionals, they often present with other symptoms such as depression, social anxiety, health anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder and do not reveal their real concerns. Many patients can be difficult to convince that they have a distorted view of their body image.

An absolute cause of body dysmorphic disorder is unknown. However research shows that a number of factors may be involved and that they can occur in combination, including:

A chemical imbalance in the brain. An insufficient level of serotonin, one of the brain's neurotransmitters involved in mood and pain, may contribute to body dysmorphic disorder. Although such an imbalance in the brain is unexplained, it may be hereditary.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder. BDD often occurs with OCD, where the patient uncontrollably practices ritual behaviors that may literally take over their life. A history of, or genetic predisposition to, OCD may make you more susceptible to BDD.

An eating disorder. BDD may be present with an eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, especially if it involves a weight-related part of the body, such as the waist, hips or thighs.

Generalized anxiety disorder. Body dysmorphic disorder may co-exist with generalized anxiety disorder. This condition involves excessive worrying that disrupts the patient's daily life, often causing exaggerated or unrealistic anxiety about life circumstances, such as a perceived flaw or defect in appearance, as in BDD. A history of or genetic predisposition to generalized anxiety disorder may make the patient more susceptible to BDD.

Psychological, behavioral or cultural factors. People from families of higher socioeconomic status or strict cultural standards may experience body dysmorphic disorder more often. Someone who feels that he or she must live up to unobtainable or unrealistically high expectations for personal appearance and success may be more prone to BDD."

2006-12-14 16:27:33 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 2 0

Maybe being teased a lot as a teen/kid. Or being ignored and getting the idea its because of the way they look.
Looking at fashion magazines too much..thinking they have to look perfect, when in reality you can't be perfect like a picture that has been edited to look perfect.
Or maybe it could come from another disorder such as an anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive or an eating disorder.

2006-12-14 16:25:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2 0

Below is a good link for an answer. I Personally would have to say, redicule when the person is younger would have to play a large role in BDD

2006-12-14 16:26:37 · answer #5 · answered by sugarpacketchad 5 · 2 0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder
its a disturbed (distorted)body image or self image.
(BDD)

2006-12-14 16:59:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

fedest.com, questions and answers