Welcome to BlogAboutBDD

http://www.yourmindyourbody.org/mental-health-month-blog-day-may-18/

APA_BlogDayBADGE_2011.jpg

Welcome to BlogAboutBDD.  How timely that the birth of this blogspot arrives on the launch of the American Psychological Association's "Mental Health Month Blog Party".  As a psychologist passionate about treating those suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, my intention is to provide a forum for thought exchange, encouragement to overcome the effects of BDD, and to inspire a shift away from the societal ideology which overvalues physical appearance and instead, to move toward engaging a range of experiences that nourish the soul.

First Things First: What is BDD?

According to the DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), Body Dysmorphic Disorder is defined as a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance, or an exaggerated concern with a slight physical anomaly, causing clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.  While each person has a unique symptom profile, individuals with BDD typically experience a host of irrational beliefs about their perceived physical flaw, avoid important and meaningful activities, and engage in compulsive behavior, or rituals, which aim to decrease appearance-related distress while participating in events encountered with difficulty (e.g. going to work, walking in the community, socializing).  While rituals sometimes provide momentary relief, distress about one’s physical appearance soon returns. BDD worsens when self-defeating beliefs, avoidance, and ritualizing behavior intensify.

The Last Straw: AC360’s recent segment of "The RidicuList"

Seeping into the recesses of my mind while falling asleep, were the messages conveyed in the May 12, 2011 segment of AC360’s "The RidicuList".  http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/13/the-ridiculist-botox-mom-haters/

Anderson Cooper commented on an interview of a mother and child who relied on the use of Botox injections to help the eight-year old gain a competitive edge in a child beauty pageant.  I found it disheartening as I listened to this young girl try to describe the reasons for getting rid of the "wrinkles" on her face.  The lines she referred to were the dimples on her cheeks.

This is a prime example of the multitude of messages we receive during our formative years, dictating which physical features are deemed desirable, and which are worthy of disposal, or disguise.  How is it possible that dimples – perhaps the fullest expression of a smile, laughter, and joy, can be considered unattractive?  Isn’t it worth re-evaluating such cultural prescriptions about beauty, when our body’s natural means of conveying happiness is being denied?  The media, social institutions, and the commercial industry continually reinforce the belief that physical appearance is worthy of competition, that the subjective experience of attraction can somehow be objectively rated in relative comparison to others, and that being physically attractive is essential to realize fulfillment.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

Each day we have opportunities to exercise choices that are consistent with our values.  If you share ideas similar to those expressed in this post, consider whether taking some personal or social action could help yourself or others.  If you are preoccupied about an aspect of your physical appearance, consider relinquishing some ritual or avoidant behavior for a specific period of time.  Notice any benefits that may arise as you gain fuller contact with daily events and have more of your attention available to notice other aspects of experience.  Or perhaps you might verbalize a different point of view when you overhear comments endorsing the exaggerated importance given to improving one’s “appearance.” 

I welcome your carefully considered comments and responses to the ideas expressed in this blog.  I invite you to contribute in a way that promotes safety to express a range of ideas, and to learn, offer, and gain support from the community of people participating in this forum.  

Note: The content on this blog is provided for informational, educational, and resource sharing purposes. BlogAboutBDD does not diagnose, treat, or substitute for a formal therapeutic relationship.  Always seek the consult of your treating provider before engaging in any of the therapeutic activities discussed in the blog.  If you are experiencing psychological distress, please seek the services of a qualified mental health professional.  For BDD-specific resources, check out www.bddcentral.com.