Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorders

Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorders July 30, 2019 Tina Chang/Photolibrary/Getty Images More in Eating Disorders Symptoms Treatment Diagnosis Awareness and Prevention People who have anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa are concerned about their body shape, size and/or weight, of course, but theres another body image problem with which many people also struggle: body dysmorphic disorder. Body dysmorphic disorder, which affects up to two percent of people in the United States, causes people to become overly concerned with outward appearance and perceived flaws. It may be seen in people with eating disorders, but is a distinctly different issue. Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder People suffering from body dysmorphic disorder are preoccupied or obsessed with one or more perceived flaws in their appearance. This preoccupation or obsession typically focuses on one or more body areas or features, such as their skin, hair, or nose. However, any body area or part can be the subject of concern. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines the following criteria for a diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder: Preoccupation with one or more perceived defects in appearance that are not noticeable to others and are not truly disfigured.At some point, the person suffering has performed repetitive actions or thoughts in response to the concerns. This may be something like continuously comparing his/her appearance to that of others, mirror checking or skin picking.This obsession causes distress and problems in a person’s social, work, or other areas of life.This obsession isn’t better explained as a symptom of an eating disorder (although some people may be diagnosed with both). Muscle dysmorphia  or a preoccupation with the idea that your muscles are too small is considered a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder. The Relationship to Eating Disorders People with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa and those with body dysmorphic disorder may both be overly concerned with their size, shape, weight or outward appearance. Those with body dysmorphic disorder may even fixate on areas of their bodies that are similar to fixations seen in anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, such as the waist, hips, and/or thighs. They may also experience similar symptoms such as body checking (like frequent weighing or mirror checks) and excessive exercise. Researchers have estimated that as many as 12 percent of people with body dysmorphic disorder also suffer from anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. However, it is important to note that not everyone with body dysmorphic disorder has an eating disorder. There are people with body dysmorphic disorder who focus solely on specific body parts (like the shape of their nose). Thats different than focusing on weight. A thorough assessment by a mental health professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist is useful to sort out whether or not someone is suffering from an eating disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, or both. Treatment Options The good news is that body dysmorphic disorder can be successfully treated, either through a type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy or with medications, including antidepressants. Any time there are multiple diagnoses involved (as is true in anyone who has both body dysmorphic disorder and an eating disorder), it can complicate treatment. However, research also supports the use of cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of eating disorders. If you suffer from both problems, you’ll want to make sure your therapist is familiar with both and can create a customized treatment plan for you. You may also be interested in pursuing treatment with medication through your psychiatrist. It is important to remember that you may need to try different medications or dosages before you find the right fit for you. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding medication and don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about them. It is important to note that many people with body dysmorphic disorder pursue surgical treatment options such as plastic surgery or hair implants in order to fix their perceived flaws. There is no evidence that this is helpful in the treatment of the condition, and may actually make it worse.