Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a 'psychiatric' illness in which patients become obsessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance. The perceived flaw causes significant emotional distress and difficulties - the disorder of imagined ugliness. BDD is an under recognised, yet relatively common and severe psychiatric disorder; often misdiagnosed by doctors as a low self-esteem.

The predominant feature of Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a preoccupation with an imagined defect and actions taken to reduce the feeling of distress generated by the perceived flaw.

The intrusive thoughts (obsessions) around the area of defect can cause significant compulsion that may have a negative effect on the sufferer. Many boys and men are becoming dissatisfied with their own bodies and are paying incredible costs in supplements and cosmetic surgery to achieve the 'perfect' body.

The symptoms of BDD in males include an 'obsession' with appearance, avoidance of social situations, repetitive behaviours such as excessive grooming, washing and tics. These compulsions can absorb so much time of the sufferer and create so much anxiety that they begin to feel isolated, have problems at school, have failed relationships and some may become so tormented by the perceived flaw that they attempt suicide. It is particularly worrying that suicide attempts and successful attempts are frequent consequences of BDD in males.

Men and boys are often reluctant to reveal their symptoms because of the embarrassment and shame around their perceived flaw. They typically do not recognize that their beliefs about their appearance are inaccurate and due to a psychiatric disorder.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder has the potential to impact negatively on the sufferer's social life and his school work.

Having large enough genitals, enough head and body hair, non-feminine appearing breasts and being tall - all evoke images of manliness, toughness, virility and strength.

The genitals for the male symbolize virility, procreative potency and power.

The real feelings behind the BDD sufferer are of insecurity, self-loathing and inferiority; they are so ingrained that they prevent any positive outcome from actions taken to relieve the pain of the obsession.