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September 15, 2005
BDD
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
I watched Oprah yesterday (Yes I do confess that on occasion I do tune into Oprah...al I can say is that she is 1000x better than Dr. Phil). Neways, yesterday's episode was all about BDD. BDD is a very serious under-daignosed neurological disorder.
"Body Dysmorphic Disorder, (BDD) is listed in the DSM-IV under somatization disorders, but clinically, it seems to have similarities to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
BDD is a preoccupation with an imagined physical defect in appearance or a vastly exaggerated concern about a minimal defect. The preoccupation must cause significant impairment in the individual’s life. The individual thinks about his or her defect for at least an hour per day.
The person may fear ridicule in social situations, and may consult many dermatologists or plastic surgeons and undergo painful or risky procedures to try to change the perceived defect. The medical procedures rarely produce relief. Indeed they often lead to a worsening of symptoms. BDD may limit friendships. Obsessive ruminations about appearance may make it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork.
Other behaviors that may be associated with BDD
Frequent glancing in reflective surfaces
Skin picking
Avoiding mirrors
Repeatedly measuring or palpating the defect
Repeated requests for reassurance about the defect.
Elaborate grooming rituals.
Camouflaging some aspect of one’s appearance with one’s hand, a hat, or makeup.
Repeated touching of the defect
Avoiding social situations where the defect might be seen by others.
Anxiety when with other people"
There was a lady by the name of 'Jenny' who appeared on the episode. All I can say is that she looked like a freakin Barbie Doll. She's 28, and had a whopping 26 plastic surgeries. In fact, she has had so many nose jobs that she has to use a q'tip to open up her nasal passages to breathe.
Bobby Brown was also on this episode and made quite the statement by saying that "Plastic Surgery doesn't make someone look younger, it just makes them look like they had plastic surgery" - And if you saw Jenny you would agree.
Posted by Ralph A. Meiers at September 15, 2005 6:30 AM