Body dysmorphic disorder is a chronic mental illness that causes people to constantly fret about flaws in their appearance. The flaws that cause the stress may be minor, imagined or major but in any case, the appearance causes shame and distress to the individual who suffers from body dysmorphic disorder. The non medical term for body dysmorphic disorder is “imagined ugliness.”

People who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder obsess over their body image for hours every day and may seek various different cosmetic procedures to “fix” the perceived flaws that they have. Those suffering from this disorder may have numerous procedures and still not be satisfied with the results. People with this disorder may be extremely self conscious, refuse to appear in pictures, they may avoid social situations and wear excessive makeup or clothing to avoid others “seeing” the flaws.

Psychotherapy and medications are used to treat body dysmorphic disorder. Most often, a combination of both medication and psychotherapy are used to treat body dysmorphic disorder. Psychotherapy focuses on teaching the individual to stop negative thoughts that result and to view themselves and their bodies in a more positive and realistic way. SSRIs or Tricyclic antidepressants may also be used to treat some of the symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder.

If you or someone you know suffers from body dysmorphic disorder it is important to know that you are not alone. There are thousands of individuals who suffer from this mental disorder and who need the help of rehab centers, counselors and therapists to stop the negative thoughts associated with this condition. For more information about treatment for body dysmorphic disorder, contact a rehab center near you.