IMPERFECT OBSESSION

The truth is, most people have some aspect of their physical appearance they’re not entirely happy about. And that’s OK.

For people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder, things aren’t so simple.

For girls and guys (BDD affects about

2 per cent of the population, with males and females affected equally), these “imperfections” in their physical appearance niggle away at them until it’s all they see in the mirror.

They ridicule, nitpick and obsess until it drives them crazy, causing great distress and impairing their ability to function normally and enjoy life.

“BDD is a mental illness characterised by obsessive preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in one’s physical appearance when those flaws are either not noticeable or are very slight to others,” clinical psychologist Cassandra Dunn said.

Most commonly, there’s a strong focus on the skin, hair or face but it can include any aspect of physical appearance.

Like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, a person with BDD will engage in repetitive behaviours or thinking patterns to deal with excessive worry about their appearance.

KICgirls.com founders Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, who operate an online fitness program for women, said BDD typically starts in early adolescence.

“Being a teenager is tough at the best of times,” Ms Henshaw said.

“Naturally this is the age BDD most commonly kicks in. The most common age of onset is 12–13 years and unfortunately symptoms get gradually worse over time.”

Research published in Australian Clinical Psychologist by psychologist Ben Buchanan noted: “Majority of BDD patients remember teasing during their adolescence when they ‘realised’ that they were ugly and they attach considerable meaning to these memories.”

Dr Buchanan said individuals with BDD could benefit from care from clinical psychologists. However individuals were more likely to consult a cosmetic surgeon before a clinical psychologist.

“One study showed 76 per cent of BDD patients sought procedures such as rhinoplasty, breast implants or Botox before getting mental health treatment,” Dr Buchanan wrote.

“Without treatment, psychosocial outcomes are unfavourable, with many experiencing prolonged unemployment, severe social isolation and suicidal ideation, with approximately 25 per cent of individuals with BDD attempting suicide.”

The good news is that cognitive behaviour treatment is often effective.

“If a peer or a young person starts showing signs of being excessively concerned about a particular aspect of their body, it could be a good idea to talk to them,” Ms Henshaw said.

“You could even help them make an appointment to see a professional.”

Contact the Australian Psychological Society or make an appointment to see a GP.