FATAL ATTRACTION?
Checking the mirror a bit too often for hair that won’t stay in place? A new zit getting you on the edge? You might be a little more than ‘just obsessed’ with your looks
Susan Jose
Recently, American actor Lili Reinhart opened up about how she suffers from Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). In an interview with a magazine, the actor revealed her struggle with cystic acne, which triggered BDD. Closer home, Bollywood actor Ileana D’Cruz, has always been vocal about her struggle with the disorder. The actor often has question-and-answer sessions on social media with those going through the same, and encourages them to speak up andgethelp.
Calling it a medical condition which requires “timely diagnosis and treatment”, psychotherapist Dr Vihan Sanyal explains, “People with BDD become obsessed with their physical imperfections (often imaginary), to the point that their imperfections are the only thing they see when they look in the mirror.”
THE SIGNS
Dr Sanyal lists some of the common traits that those with BDD exhibit:
■ They are preoccupied with a perceived flaw in their appearance which others may not even notice
■ They are convinced that their appearance has defects and these make them look ugly and unattractive
■ They strongly believe that people are likely to pay attention to the flaws in their appearance and they may get belittled or humiliated
■ Such persons have repetitive compulsive behaviour including frequently checking the mirror, grooming or hairstyling
■ They are so caught up with their appearance that it starts to interfere with work, school, social life and day-today functioning
■ They try to conceal the perceived flaws with makeup and with clothes
■ They constantly compare their appearance with others and seek reassurance of their
appearance from others
■ They are perfectionists or have perfectionist tendencies
■ They get frequent cosmetic surgical procedures done with little satisfaction. Citing social media to have “accentuated this need on how a person looks” midlife coach Vaibhav Datar says, “People want to be seen as goodlooking. You look around and everyone seems to be either beautiful or handsome. Mind you, there is nothing wrong in showing your better side. However, when it becomes an obsession or a compulsion, it goes out of control.”
He further adds, “Children are sensitive to the physical attractiveness aspect, teens especially. There’re hormonal changes going on and they want to look good. Also, there is huge comparison and competition among friends.”
WHAT CAUSES BDD?
The definitive causes for BDD are unclear, opine experts. But they attribute it as a result of childhood bullying and teasing as well as sexual abuse and trauma. Some other causes that lead to it include brain abnormalities or neurochemical abnormality. It may also be due to genetic or environmental factors.
HOW TO DEAL WITH IT?
“Physical activities can help you manage symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety. Seeking social support and understanding more about your illness or joining a social support group will help you deal with social anxiety and isolation. Then, there are therapies which may help patients with body dysmorphic disorder,” says Neeta V Shetty, psychotherapist, Blissful Mind Therapy Centre.
Shetty suggests the following therapies:
■ Mindfulness-based therapies help one understand his/her thoughts with awareness, and grow towards generating more loving thoughts. Mindfulness also helps them accept themselves for who they are as well as in developing self-love, selfcompassion and self-care. Mindfulness also helps you with de-stressing and relaxation techniques
■ Cognitive behavioural therapies help one understand negative thoughts and behaviours. It focusses in bringing a change in such tendencies leading to healthier behavioural and thought patterns. According to Sanyal, parents can support kids and teens by being empathetic and understanding towards them.
“Let go of the need to control and correct. It is okay to not correct the child immediately. Let him/her have their own share of experiential learning. Empathise with your child without being angry. Boost their confidence so that they do not need to look outside for conformance of their completeness,” he says, adding, “Hugging is a great thing you could do. Start hugging your child more. Even during your dinner table talks, avoid direct reference to people’s looks or skin. Emphasise on being beautiful from the inside.”