“I have body dysmorphia, I am very awkward getting into a pool. I don’t know how to do it without feeling pathetic. I’ve tried very hard to overcome it. No matter what success you achieve, no matter who you think you are in your own head, I’m always in oversized clothes. Even if I lose the weight, and I try very hard, I’m always battling with it, but I’m always feeling I’m fat. So I don’t want you to see any part of my body,” said Karan Johar.
In an interview with the Indian Express, filmmaker Karan Johar admitted that he is struggling with Body Dysmorphia. But Johar is not the only one suffering from this mental disorder. Other celebs like Meghan Fox and Robert Pattinson also confessed to having this.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated last year, Fox stated, “There’s never a point in my life where I loved my body, never, ever.”
What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
According to Doctor Kopal Rohatgi, Associate Consultant, Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, “It means, in simple terms, a person is dissatisfied with a particular part of his/her body. It could be as small as the shape of a nose. Also, most of the time, it’s related to the face.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, Body dysmorphic disorder is a type of psychiatric illness in which you can’t stop thinking about one or more perceived defects or flaws in your appearance. Although this flaw appears minor or can’t be seen by others, it may make you feel so embarrassed, ashamed, and anxious that you avoid many social situations.
So How Is It Different From Normal Body Issues?
Perception of an individual suffering from BDD is very different to what one might feel about his/her body. ” A person with BDD is constantly dissatisfied. He or she will keep checking himself/herself in the mirror. The individual is fixated on the issue. At some point, we all have issues with how we look, but we look at it once, then forget about it and move on. But the individual suffering from BDD is completely absorbed in it and fails to look at anything else,” said Dr Kopal Rohatgi.
Impact Of Social Media
Dr Kopal Rohatgi said that BDD is more prevalent in the younger population, especially in their 20s. The doctor stressed that the body dysmorphic disorder mostly would not emerge later in life. ” This is also because of social media’s rise and impact on our lives. Everyone is showing the best part of themselves online. So these youngsters are highly influenced by what they see on their social media feed.”
However, body dysmorphic disorder develops more if there is an underlying psychiatric problem. Mental health disorders like anxiety and depressive symptoms and obsessive-compulsive spectrum can also co-exist with BDD.
Bio-Psycho-Social Combination
Body dysmorphic disorder is fueled by three main elements- biological, psychological and social.
“Three main elements can cause BDD: biological factors, body-related factors, age, and, at times, genetics. Then there is the psychological factor, which is if someone has suffered trauma or some abuse in their childhood. Lastly, social factors are how much family support you have while growing up. We’ve seen in families there is critical commenting, which has a negative impact,” said Dr Rohatgi.
Finding The Right Treatment
The doctor does admit that, at times, people suffering from BDD often head to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist and then later come to them for help. It’s only after the surgeon refers them to the doctor do they come to visit them.
“First, we need to evaluate if BDD is a primary disorder or if there is an underlying disorder linked with it. We then speak to the family member and understand the past and family history. Sometimes further psychological evaluations might be needed as well.”
The doctor continues to explain that once diagnosed, the line of treatment is decided. “If the symptoms are severe in an individual, then medication would be the first line of management. There are supportive medicines that can be given if an underlying condition is detected.”
The doctor stresses that therapy can be taken along with medications. “Relaxation exercises, cognitive restructuring, and cognitive behavioural therapy are what we suggest. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a way of correcting the thoughts that emerge in their mind. It’s a two-way communication, where the patient is actively involved with the therapist,” said Dr Rohatgi.
