Body+Dysmorphic+Disorder+(BDD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Body dysmorphic disorder is a type of chronic mental illness in which you can’t stop thinking about a flaw with your appearance — a flaw that is either minor or imagined. But to you, your appearance seems so shameful that you don't want to be seen by anyone. Body dysmorphic disorder has sometimes been called "imagined ugliness." Just as people with eating disorders obsess about their weight, those with BDD become obsessed over an aspect of their appearance. They may worry their hair is thin, their face is scarred, their eyes aren't exactly the same size, their nose is too big, or their lips are too thin. (TeensHealth)

It's not known specifically what causes body dysmorphic disorder. * Brain chemical differences * Structural brain differences certain areas of the brain may not have developed properly. * Genes. Some studies show that it is more common in people whose biological family members also have the condition. *Environment. Your environment, life experiences and culture may contribute.

Medications for body dysmorphic disorder, there are no medications specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat body dysmorphic disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on teaching you healthy behaviors.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder, (BDD) is listed in the DSM-IV under somatization disorders, but clinically, it seems to have similarities to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Other behaviors that may be associated with BDD (Mayo Clinic)
 * Frequent glancing in reflective surfaces
 * Skin picking
 * Avoiding mirrors
 * Repeatedly measuring or palpating the defect
 * Repeated requests for reassurance about the defect.
 * Elaborate grooming rituals.
 * Camouflaging some aspect of one’s appearance a hat or makeup.
 * Repeated touching of the defect
 * Avoiding social situations where others might see the defect.
 * Anxiety when with other people

Michael Jackson, Heidi Montag, and Lily Allen all had and suffered from BDD.

There is no cure just treatment for this disease. Some treatments are cognitive behavior therapy, medication, hospitalization, and cosmetic surgery. Most people don't understand the disease unless they have actually have been through it.

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 * __Sources:__**
 * Mayo Clinic Staff. "Body Dysmorphic Disorder - MayoClinic.com." //Mayo Clinic//. 2011. Web. 13 Apr. 2011
 * "Body Dysmorphic Disorder." //KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health//. TeensHealth, 1995. Web. 13 Apr. 2011.
 * Davis, Brangien. //What's Real, What's Ideal: Overcoming a Negative Body Image//. New York: Rosen Pub. Group, 1999. Print.