Busting 7 Myths About Body Dysmorphia

Body Dysmorphic Disorder – also known as Body Dysmorphia – is a very challenging condition to live with.

Unfortunately, it is a rather misunderstood condition, resulting in certain unhelpful myths developing. But these are just myths – and not the truth.

In this article, we look at these myths and dispel them – providing an explanation for any misunderstandings.

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Also known as Body Dysmorphia, this condition is characterised by an individual having intense worries about supposed faults in their appearance. While said faults aren’t normally noticeable to others, they will cause extreme distress to the patient. The individual will commonly go to great measures to try and rectify the apparent problem.

Myth 1: Body Dysmorphic Disorder isn’t all to do with vanity

Whereas someone who is viewed as vain will not typically have poor self-esteem, those with Body Dysmorphic Disorder literally hate something about their appearance – to the extent that they let it take over their life.

They believe that a flaw exists, thereby leading them to often spend excessive time looking at themselves in a mirror. But this isn’t an act of vanity.

Myth 2: Body Dysmorphic Disorder isn’t serious

Many people have dismissed Body Dysmorphic Disorder as being one of the ‘lesser’ mental health conditions, or not something as severe as others.

However, this is far from the case. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a very serious condition and is renowned for its connection to suicide and self-harm – thus underlining the severity of the condition [1].

Myth 3: Body Dysmorphic Disorder is an Eating Disorder

There is certainly a significant overlap between Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Eating Disorders like Anorexia Nervosa. However, they are not the same.

Instead, Body Dysmorphic Disorder is classed as an Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum disorder. Admittedly though, there are some similarities.

Myth 4: People just grow out of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Many people with Body Dysmorphic Disorder will have seen their symptoms begin in their teenage years. Some believe that the feelings teenagers get is merely a ‘phase’ that they will grow out of.

But this isn’t the case and instead the symptoms will continue into adulthood. Therefore, seeking treatment for Body Dysmorphic Disorder is very important.

Myth 5: Body Dysmorphic Disorder is just about those who don’t think they are muscular enough

While many of those who suffer with Body Dysmorphic Disorder do focus on supposed flaws in their physique, many don’t.

Instead, many others will have concerns about areas like skin, facial features, thighs, or hair among others. Any part of the body can be impacted.

Myth 6: Body Dysmorphic Disorder can be solved by surgery

Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as getting surgery to fix Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If someone with the condition can afford surgery, then it will rarely solve their issue.

Instead, while it may provide short-term relief, they will often then go onto find another flaw and obsess over that. Instead, talking therapy is recommended as the treatment.

Myth 7: Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a lifelong condition

Finishing on a higher note – many people believe that it isn’t possible to recover from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and that it is a lifelong condition.

However, this isn’t accurate. Instead, with the right treatment and support, a person is able to fully recover from the condition. Full recovery should always be the aim!

Summary

As stated earlier, Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a difficult condition to live with and the myths discussed above don’t help.

Seeking treatment for the condition is very important and can lessen, or potentially even terminate, the problems.

See Also

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Information, Symptoms, Treatment and More
• What Are The Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders?
• Talking Therapy Section