Presented by BetterHelp.

Aside from anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, several people have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder, which causes them to be anxious about their body, size, and weight. BDD, which affects up to 2.4 percent of the population, makes people to obsess about their looks and the imagined imperfections they see in themselves.

Eating disorders may have a correlation, but the two are distinct.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder Symptoms

Bodily imperfections are a source of intense anxiety and obsession for those suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). An individual’s skin, hair or nose may be a primary focus of their interest or obsession. As a result, every part of the body might be a focus of investigation.

The DSM-5 does not include BDD as an eating disorder. Rather, it falls under the umbrella term “Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders.” The following diagnostic criteria are found in the DSM-5:

  • A concern with perceived flaws in one’s looks that aren’t visible to others and aren’t actually disfiguring one’s physical appearance.
  • The person afflicted has at some point engaged in a pattern of behavior or thought in reaction to their concerns. This could look like constantly comparing their looks with everyone, consulting the mirror, or even skin picking.
  • As a result of this compulsion, a person’s social, professional, or other aspects of life can suffer.
  • An eating disorder isn’t the best explanation for this compulsion, although some individuals may be have both.

The Eating Disorder Connection

There are some similarities between BDD and eating disorders, but there are also significant differences.

There are many similarities between people who suffer from eating disorders like anorexia and those who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder. In some cases, people with BDD focus on the waist, hips, and thighs in the same way people with anorexia or bulimia do.

Similar symptoms, such as repeated weighing or mirror “checks,” and excessive activity, may also be present.

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are thought to affect up to 12% of people with body dysmorphic disorder. It’s vital to keep in mind that not everyone with body dysmorphic disorder is also suffering from an eating disorder. Certain body features, like the form of the nose, can be the focus of someone suffering from body dysmorphic disorder. That’s not the same as obsessing on your weight, though.

Whether someone suffers from an eating disorder or body dysmorphic disorder is best determined through a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health expert like a psychiatrist or therapist.

The excellent news is that it is possible to successfully address body dysmorphic disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy, and antidepressants, are the most effective ways to treat it. BetterHelp also has lots of resources if you want to learn more about the different ways you can manage disorders such as BDD.

A person who has both body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia is likely to have several diagnoses, making therapy more difficult. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be employed in the treatment of eating disorders, as well.

To ensure that your therapist is knowledgeable with both conditions, you’ll want to be sure they can design a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs.

You may also want to talk to your psychiatrist about medication as a possible treatment option. In order to find the proper drug or dosage for you, you may have to experiment with a variety of options. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your prescription regimen.