Body Dysmorphia & Eating Disorders: Co-occurring Conditions and Treatment

Do you often worry about your body image? Do you sometimes feel that your looks just don’t measure up? In our society today, it’s quite normal to be concerned about how we see ourselves. But when these worries become overwhelming and lead to negative thoughts or habits, it might be more than just concern—it could be a body image disorder. These disorders are closely tied to mental health, making it essential to seek the right support and care. According to research, 1.7% to 2.9% of people suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which typically begins in late adolescence and is characterized by a strong focus on perceived physical flaws.

Given how significantly these severe mental health conditions can affect a person’s life, it is imperative to investigate the profound effects of eating disorders (EDs) and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). We can more effectively identify and treat them if we are aware of their symptoms, distinctions, and potential connections.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

BDD is when someone becomes overly worried about their appearance, focusing on flaws that might not be noticeable to others. This concern can cause feelings of shame and anxiety, affecting their daily lives. People with BDD might spend a lot of time looking in mirrors, feel the need to fix their appearance, or avoid social situations because of how they think they look.

Common Symptoms of BDD

• Constant worry about small or imagined flaws in appearance
• Checking mirrors a lot or avoiding them altogether
• Spending too much time grooming or picking at the skin
• Comparing looks with other people
• Frequently seeking cosmetic changes without feeling satisfied
• Avoiding social events because of appearance worries

Eating Disorders (EDs)

Eating Disorders involve unhealthy eating habits and worries about body weight or shape. Some well-known types are Anorexia Nervosa, where people eat very little; Bulimia Nervosa, which involves eating a lot and then purging; and Binge Eating Disorder, where people eat large amounts of food in a short time.

Common Symptoms of ED

• Obsession with food, dieting, and body weight
• Seeing one’s body in a distorted way and feeling low about oneself
• Eating very little or overeating
• Using methods like vomiting or laxatives to control weight
• Exercising excessively
• Noticeable changes in weight, either up or down

How Are BDD and EDs Different?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Eating Disorders (EDs) both involve worries about appearance, but they focus on different areas. BDD is about being overly concerned with specific body parts, like skin or nose, often noticing flaws no one else sees. EDs, on the other hand, are more about worries over body weight and shape, leading to unhealthy eating behaviors.

For example, people with BDD might often check mirrors or use makeup to hide flaws, while those with EDs might follow strict diets or exercise too much. Emotionally, BDD can cause anxiety about looks, leading to avoiding social situations, while EDs often involve fear of gaining weight, affecting self-esteem.

What are their similarities?

BDD and EDs share some symptoms, like dissatisfaction with appearance that hurts self-esteem and daily life, often accompanied by anxiety and depression.

Can BDD lead to an eating disorder and vice versa?

Yes, BDD can turn into an eating disorder if the concern about appearance shifts to weight. Similarly, someone with an eating disorder might start worrying about specific body parts, developing BDD traits. This shows how closely these disorders can be linked, with one possibly leading to the other over time.

Where do these problems originate from?

Both BDD and EDs arise from a mix of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Genetics and brain chemistry can make someone more prone to these issues, while societal and cultural pressures about body image also play a big role. Recognizing these origins is important for addressing the root causes during treatment.

How Can BDD and EDs Be Treated?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) and Eating Disorders (EDs) can deeply impact someone’s daily life, but there are effective treatments that can help improve individuals’ well-being. Here’s how treatment can make a difference:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This therapy helps people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. For example, a therapist might assist someone in challenging and altering their belief that a perceived flaw makes them unworthy.

Medications

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, can balance chemicals in the brain affecting mood and anxiety, easing symptoms of depression or obsessive thoughts related to BDD and EDs.

Nutritional Guidance

Dietitians offer personalized meal plans that focus on restoring health and educating individuals on balanced eating habits, crucial for those recovering from EDs.

What Are Some Effective Management Strategies?

Managing BDD and EDs involves ongoing strategies that can support recovery and improve quality of life:

Build a Support System

Regular check-ins with supportive friends or joining a support group provide emotional backing and reduce isolation.

Practice Mindfulness

Activities like yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation help manage stress and reduce the urge to engage in harmful behaviors.

Set Realistic Goals

Encouraging small, achievable goals, like reducing mirror-checking or trying new foods, builds confidence and shows progress.

Supporting the Journey to Healing

Moreover, encouraging someone to seek help for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) or Eating Disorders (EDs) starts with kindness and understanding. It’s important to listen to them and let them know their feelings are valid. Suggesting therapy can offer a safe place for them to talk about their emotions. Sharing stories of others who have successfully recovered can give them hope and the courage to start their own journey. Offering to help find a therapist or going with them to their first appointment can show them they’re not alone. These actions can motivate individuals to reach out for help, work towards a healthier lifestyle, and improve their overall well-being.