Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by a preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance that are not noticeable to others or are only minor.  

This preoccupation can cause significant distress, interfere with daily functioning, and lead to a variety of negative consequences. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder.

Symptoms

The symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder can vary widely from person to person, but typically involve a preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance. These perceived flaws may be related to any aspect of the body, including the skin, hair, nose, eyes, chin, or any other body part. Common concerns include acne, wrinkles, scars, body hair, and body weight.

Individuals with BDD may spend hours each day looking at themselves in the mirror, trying to hide or camouflage their perceived flaws, or seeking reassurance from others about their appearance. They may also engage in repetitive behaviors or rituals, such as excessive grooming, skin picking, or checking their appearance in reflective surfaces.

In addition to these preoccupations and behaviors, individuals with BDD may also experience significant distress, anxiety, and depression related to their appearance concerns. They may avoid social situations, work or school, or other activities that require them to be seen by others. They may also experience feelings of shame, guilt, or low self-esteem.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing body dysmorphic disorder can be challenging, as many individuals with the condition may not seek treatment or may not recognize that their preoccupations and behaviors are problematic. However, there are several criteria that mental health professionals use to diagnose BDD.

First, the individual must have a preoccupation with one or more perceived flaws or defects in their appearance that are not noticeable or are only minor. This preoccupation must cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, such as difficulty at work, school, or in social situations.

Second, the preoccupation must not be better explained by another mental health condition, such as an eating disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Finally, the preoccupation must not be due to a medical condition or the effects of a substance, such as drugs or medication.

Treatment

Treatment for body dysmorphic disorder typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. The specific type of medication and psychotherapy used may vary depending on the individual's symptoms, severity of the condition, and other factors.

Medication

Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often used to treat body dysmorphic disorder. These medications can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression that are often associated with BDD. They may also help reduce the preoccupation with appearance and the repetitive behaviors that often accompany the condition.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used form of psychotherapy for body dysmorphic disorder. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to appearance concerns. It can also help individuals develop coping strategies for managing anxiety and depression associated with BDD.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a specific type of CBT that involves gradually exposing individuals to situations that trigger their appearance concerns and preventing them from engaging in their usual rituals or behaviors. This can help individuals learn that their fears and anxieties are unfounded and reduce the preoccupation with appearance.

Other forms of psychotherapy, such as psychodynamic therapy and interpersonal therapy, may also be used to treat body dysmorphic disorder, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance that are not noticeable to others or are only minor. This preoccupation can cause significant distress, interfere with daily functioning, and lead to a variety of negative consequences. 

However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with BDD can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphic disorder, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Safe Sex for Lesbians: Tips and Guidelines

 

As with any sexual activity, safe sex is an important consideration for lesbians. While the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be lower for same-sex partners, it is still important to take precautions to protect yourself and your partner. Here are some tips and guidelines for safe sex for lesbians:

Use Protection

While the risk of STIs may be lower for lesbians, it is still possible to contract infections such as herpes, HPV, and syphilis through skin-to-skin contact or sharing sex toys. Using barriers such as dental dams or gloves can reduce the risk of transmission. If you are using sex toys, be sure to clean them thoroughly before and after use, and use a new condom or dental dam for each partner.

Get Tested

Regular STI testing is important for all sexually active individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. It is recommended that sexually active women get tested for STIs at least once a year, or more frequently if you have multiple partners. If you or your partner have been diagnosed with an STI, it is important to inform any other sexual partners and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Practice Good Hygiene

Good hygiene is important for preventing the spread of STIs. Be sure to wash your hands and any sex toys thoroughly before and after use. If you are engaging in oral sex, be sure to brush your teeth and use mouthwash beforehand to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.

Communicate with Your Partner

Communication is key in any sexual relationship, and it is especially important for safe sex. Be sure to talk to your partner about your sexual history, any STIs you may have, and any concerns or preferences you may have regarding protection or sexual activity. It is also important to establish boundaries and consent before engaging in any sexual activity.

Consider PrEP

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission for individuals who are at high risk of contracting the virus. While the risk of HIV transmission may be lower for lesbians, it is still important to consider PrEP if you or your partner are at risk for HIV, such as if you have multiple partners or engage in high-risk sexual activity.

In conclusion, safe sex is an important consideration for all sexually active individuals, including lesbians. By using protection, getting tested, practicing good hygiene, communicating with your partner, and considering PrEP, you can reduce the risk of STIs and other health concerns and enjoy a safe and healthy sexual relationship.

Signs You’re In A Healthy Relationship

While being attracted to your partner and having common interests is important, there are other ways to know if you have a healthy relationship or not.  

But, first; what is a "healthy" relationship?  Honestly, in a relationship you should be able to communicate your dreams, desires, wants, needs, and even your fantasies to your partner.

Healthy relationships are important to create and maintain because the opposite isn't so healthy - toxic relationships, toxic love, toxic communication, etc can all create unhealthy negative and toxic outcomes.  

That includes;

Depression
Not being able to sleep
Heart health
Mental health
Anxiety
Stress
Worry
JEALOUSY
Lack of sex
Lack of attraction
Lack of trust
etc

Being in a loving, kind, respectful, and healthy relationship equates to better well-being.

Here are a few signs that you and your mate are good matches.

1- You Aren't Scared To Speak Up

Telling your partner about something you don't like or that something is bothering you, takes guts.  It's a hard thing for anyone to do.  Telling them how you feel takes you to a very vulnerable place.  

If you aren't afraid to speak up, chances are you have a healthy relationship where your partner cares about what you have to say, your opinion on things, and can see your side of things.  

2- Trust Is Everything

Trust is such an important and basic part of a relationship and yet it's mindboggling how many people don't trust their mate.  If you feel the need to snoop around in your partner's items (or their phone) or you listen in on conversations, this is not you being trustworthy.  

I get it, we all have baggage, but you gotta let go at some point and realize THIS partner is not THAT partner.  On the other hand, your partner should be showing you that you CAN trust them.  This is a two-way street.

3- You Know How To Give and Receive Love

I didn't even know this was a proven scientific thing that people wrote books about until I was in a failing relationship and was grasping at straws for help.  Knowing HOW you want to be loved and knowing HOW your partner likes to be loved, is important.  

The best and most well-known book about this topic is called The 5 Languages Of Love and I would suggest checking it out!  Some people like to receive touch, while others like acts of service and some even enjoy gifts or quality time.  

To establish a strong and healthy relationship, it is essential to understand each other's "love language" and express affection in a way that resonates with both partners.  If I like acts of affection or touch and all my partner does is give me gifts, eventually it will bother me and I will miss that affection.  But, there are definitely people out there that LOVE gifts as an act of love!  You just have to find that person.

4- You Are Comfortable Being Yourself

Being cognizant of your strengths and weaknesses is crucial while in a relationship. It could be that you feel self-assured among your friends but are self-conscious at your workplace. Alternatively, you may be aware that minor issues, such as your partner's failure to take out the trash, could easily upset you. 

Acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses can assist you in developing self-love and acceptance, which, in turn, can enable you to love and accept your partner.

5- You Both Have Boundaries and You Both Respect Those Boundaries

A healthy, loving, and respectful relationship means that you are both working together to create and maintain a healthy relationship.  Before you even bother stepping into a relationship *I* think you should talk about boundaries.  Specifically values and morals.  

Building a good foundation is the most important thing which means you'll probably want someone with the same or about the same values as you.  Someone that respects that relationship in the same way you do.

If you have a partner that ignores your boundaries and disrespects you, you aren't in a healthy relationship.

6- You Feel Genuinely Happy and Supported!

Most people go through the "honeymoon phase" once they have become comfortable in a relationship, but it's still important to stay aware, communicate, and check in with yourself.  Too often in a relationship, we start moving automatically, without any thought to how it makes us feel.  

It just becomes a part of our daily life.  But, it's important to step back and ask yourself if you are happy.  It's okay to do this.  Doing so doesn't automatically mean you are unhappy, it just means you are being aware and loving yourself enough to ask.

If you are unhappy, if you don't have the same confidence you once did, if you are unhappy with your sex life, or if you feel any strain or lack of support - talk to your partner.  It's honestly the healthiest thing you can do and in turn the healthiest thing they can do is listen. 

If they flip out?  That's not healthy.  If they ignore you?  That's not healthy.  If they do something behind your back?  Again, not healthy.

What *IS* Women's Sexual Wellness and Why Is It Important?!

Female sexual wellness encompasses more than just sexual activity. Although having a healthy libido and the ability to experience sexual pleasure are important, it also involves feeling confident and empowered in expressing one's desires and being knowledgeable about how aging affects the body.

Various factors can impact a person's sexual health and wellbeing, particularly for women who may experience physical and emotional changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Medical conditions such as pelvic and thyroid disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, as well as mental health issues like anxiety and depression, can also have an effect.

Although common, symptoms like difficulty becoming aroused, pain during intercourse, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and vaginal changes should not be seen as inevitable or irreversible.

With a well-designed wellness plan, many of these issues can be addressed. From hormone replacement therapy to nutrient supplementation, there are several ways to help women experience greater pleasure, joy, and confidence in their lives.

By learning more about women's sexual wellness, individuals can enjoy various benefits such as increased sexual desire, improved sensation and orgasms, better mood, reduced anxiety and depression, improved sleep, and enhanced self-esteem.