Body Dysmorphic Disorder Case Study
1. Diagnostic criteria:
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a disorder in which the individual has “persistent and intrusive preoccupations with an imagined or slight defect” in their appearance (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2014).
DSM-5 classifies BDD in the section of “Obsessive – Compulsive and Related Disorders” and the diagnostic criteria is as follows (Katharine Phillips, n.d.):
• Appearance preoccupations for at least an hour a day: the individual must be preoccupied with one or more non existent or slight flaws in their physical appearance (Katharine Phillips, n.d.). Some preoccupations include, acne, too much body/facial hair or going bald, and nose size.
• Repetitive behaviors: the individual constantly looks in the mirror, excessive grooming, skin picking, clothes changing, reassurance seeking (Katharine Phillips, n.d.).
• Clinical significance: …show more content…
3. Etiology:
Even though there have been few genetic studies in BDD, there is evidence that shows BDD is heritable (Tsz Man Lai, n.d.). According to an article published in the Body Image Journal, “eight percent of individuals with BDD have a family member with a lifetime diagnosis of BDD” (Dr. Jamie D. Feusner, 2008).
4. Treatment:
There are two different treatments for BDD. The first one is a type of medication called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). This medication is an antidepressant that helps reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The second type of treatment is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy can be done either individually or in a group. CBT is the only kind of treatment for BDD that is supported by research. The therapy helps by focusing on the thoughts and repetitive behaviors caused by BDD (Jennifer L. Greenberg, Sabine Wilhelm, Jamie Feusner, Katharine A. Phillips, & & Jeff Szymanski,
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a disorder in which the individual has “persistent and intrusive preoccupations with an imagined or slight defect” in their appearance (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2014).
DSM-5 classifies BDD in the section of “Obsessive – Compulsive and Related Disorders” and the diagnostic criteria is as follows (Katharine Phillips, n.d.):
• Appearance preoccupations for at least an hour a day: the individual must be preoccupied with one or more non existent or slight flaws in their physical appearance (Katharine Phillips, n.d.). Some preoccupations include, acne, too much body/facial hair or going bald, and nose size.
• Repetitive behaviors: the individual constantly looks in the mirror, excessive grooming, skin picking, clothes changing, reassurance seeking (Katharine Phillips, n.d.).
• Clinical significance: …show more content…
3. Etiology:
Even though there have been few genetic studies in BDD, there is evidence that shows BDD is heritable (Tsz Man Lai, n.d.). According to an article published in the Body Image Journal, “eight percent of individuals with BDD have a family member with a lifetime diagnosis of BDD” (Dr. Jamie D. Feusner, 2008).
4. Treatment:
There are two different treatments for BDD. The first one is a type of medication called serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs). This medication is an antidepressant that helps reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. The second type of treatment is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy can be done either individually or in a group. CBT is the only kind of treatment for BDD that is supported by research. The therapy helps by focusing on the thoughts and repetitive behaviors caused by BDD (Jennifer L. Greenberg, Sabine Wilhelm, Jamie Feusner, Katharine A. Phillips, & & Jeff Szymanski,