Question 1

i think i have body dysmorphia but im not sure if its that or im just highly insecure..how could i tell?

Accepted Answer

See a counselor: I would suggest having a formal evaluation with someone who has some experience with body dysmorphia, most psychiatrists should be a good choice

Question 2

what can help my body dysmorphia?

Accepted Answer

Psychopthrapy: First line treatment is psychotherapy.  medication may be a useful adjunct.

Question 3

what to do if my body dysmorphia is destroying me. help?

Accepted Answer

See a therapist!: You should see a therapist asap. Love yourself for who you are, b/c you are wonderful, vibrant ; beautiful no matter what you look like. People have survived horrific injuries to their face ; body and overcome them. Some people are born w/ physical deformities and have overcome them. You can, too. Inner beauty ; character is more important ; you were created as a special ; unique person.

Question 4

how can you control body dysmorphia? i feel like i have it and i have done work but still not happy is this a mental issue?

Accepted Answer

A good description : of Body Dysmorphic Disorder is on http://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd. The checklist is not a substitute for evaluations &amp; treatment by a psychiatrist &amp; psychologist. A mental health disorder, BDD has underlying genetic &amp; environmental  factors. If symptoms harmfully impact your daily functioning, please seek help.

Question 5

what kind of non-medical treatments are commonly used for body dysmorphia?

Accepted Answer

Cbt, energy work: Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common, talking therapy or counseling in many forms can be helpful depending on the specific details. There are many forms of energy work that i would think worth trying.

Question 6

is borderline personality disorder associated with body dysmorphia?

Accepted Answer

Yes: But "yes" or "no" is too simple of an explanation. Bpd can result in a distortion of one's view of reality -- including body image. But the key word is "can." it does not, and often will not, cause such a distortion.

Question 7

if i request not to be weighed (or at least not have the weight shared with me), is there a reason this could not be fulfilled if my visit is unrelated, and i'm not overweight, but am recovering from disordered eating and therapy for body dysmorphia?

Accepted Answer

Medical privacy: In the US, you can refuse any medical procedure, including weight:  they may not weigh you if you refuse. Or you can request to not be told the result, but there is always risk someone might forget and say the result out loud. However, if you refuse to accept an advised test or procedure (e.g. if your weight is needed for proper drug dose), they can legally refuse to care for you.

Question 8

what can be done for an onset of severe body dysmorphia while 12 weeks pregnant? depression and anxiety included.

Accepted Answer

Support: Hi Laura, it's great that you are reaching out for support. Would recommend working with a therapist with experience in body image and pregnancy.  This blog also has multiple links to organizations that can provide reputable information and referrals: 
https://let-there-be-light.net/need-help/.  You can also schedule through concierge. Take care ; let us know if we can help.

Question 9

ritalin (40mg extended release daily) + 4-5x a week weight lifting/resistance training at the gym are proving to be 10x more effective at helping my mdd/ocd than meds. body dysmorphia hasn't changed, only worsened from the bulking up. what do i do?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy: Psychotropic medications alone will not adequately your major depressive disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder and body dysmorphia. It is essential that you get quality psychotherapy - consider cognitive behavioral therapy.

Question 10

if i'm in therapy for body dysmorphia as well as depression and anxiety, would a psychiatrist, who i'd seek out at the advice of my therapist, be willing to prescribe, if appropriate, antidepressants that do not promote weight gain at my request?

Accepted Answer

Body dysmorphic: Disorder.  Please do discuss medication w/the psychiatrist to whom you are referred.  it sounds like your current therapist is working hard to help you.  Does he/she specialize in Body Dysmorphic Disorder?  If not, consider getting a second opinion as well.  Several points of view can be very helpful.  Peace and good health as you grow into letting go of real/imagined flaws you see.

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Doctor answers about:

What is preoccupation with physical appearance

A member asked:

I think i have body dysmorphia but im not sure if its that or im just highly insecure..how could i tell?

A member asked:

What can help my body dysmorphia?

A member asked:

What to do if my body dysmorphia is destroying me. help?

A member asked:

How can you control body dysmorphia? i feel like i have it and i have done work but still not happy is this a mental issue?

A member asked:

What kind of non-medical treatments are commonly used for body dysmorphia?

A member asked:

Is borderline personality disorder associated with body dysmorphia?

A member asked:

If i request not to be weighed (or at least not have the weight shared with me), is there a reason this could not be fulfilled if my visit is unrelated, and i'm not overweight, but am recovering from disordered eating and therapy for body dysmorphia?

A member asked:

What can be done for an onset of severe body dysmorphia while 12 weeks pregnant? depression and anxiety included.

A member asked:

Ritalin (40mg extended release daily) + 4-5x a week weight lifting/resistance training at the gym are proving to be 10x more effective at helping my mdd/ocd than meds. body dysmorphia hasn't changed, only worsened from the bulking up. what do i do?

A member asked:

If i'm in therapy for body dysmorphia as well as depression and anxiety, would a psychiatrist, who i'd seek out at the advice of my therapist, be willing to prescribe, if appropriate, antidepressants that do not promote weight gain at my request?

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