Epidemiology of body dysmorphic disorder among adolescents: A study of their cognitive functions

Abstract

All through history, beautiful people have usually gained much more respect. In spite of the fact that the definition of an ideal body shape has changed over time, the value of bodily appearance attraction has remained unvarying. Therefore, everyone usually expresses a degree of concern about physical appearance (Toh, Rossell, & Castle, 2009) and wishes for changes in parts of their body. Such tendencies have turned into an obsessive behavior (Tomas-Aragones & Marron, 2016), which is called body dysmorphic disorders (BDD) in psychiatry and psychopathology textbooks. This mental disorder causes individuals to describe their bodily appearance often as unattractive and ugly. They are obsessed with one or more aspects of their bodily appearance acknowledging their own deformities (Labuschagne, Castle, & Rossell, 2011). Extreme degrees of repetitive behaviors (e.g., constant self-examination of one's bodily appearance) and mental acts (e.g., comparing oneself with others) are regarded as symptoms of BDD (Abramowitz & Jacoby, 2015).

The association between use of social media and the development of body dysmorphic disorder and attitudes toward cosmetic surgeries: a national survey

“…In early 2018, several newspapers expressed concern about the adverse effects of social media platforms, like Snapchat and Instagram, on users' decisions to undergo plastic surgery (4,20). These two platforms offer taking frontal pictures called selfies and built-in filters that allow users to change their skin tone, soften fine lines and wrinkles, change the size of their eyes, lips, and cheeks, and alter other aspects of their physical appearance before sharing self-images on social media (4,20). A study findings suggest that using certain social media and photo editing apps may be associated with increased acceptance of cosmetic surgery (17).…”

“…Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) has received considerable attention in the last two decades, and it is widely regarded as one of the most debilitating mental health conditions (1)(2)(3). BDD is a chronic psychiatric disorder recognized by excessive preoccupation with minimal physical deformities (1,4). Such preoccupations can cause excessive thinking and compulsive behaviors, which may impede everyday life (5).…”

“…While most people experience some degree of dissatisfaction with their appearance at times, people with BDD experience persistent and intrusive thoughts about illusory flaws or defects in their appearance, especially regarding the nose, ears, mouth, and breast (1). Patients also obsess over their looks and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming, or seeking validation, sometimes for many hours per day (4,5). Individuals suffering from BDD frequently focus attention on a body part to the point where it interferes with their social, emotional, educational, and occupational wellbeing (2,4,5).…”

“…Patients also obsess over their looks and body image, repeatedly checking the mirror, grooming, or seeking validation, sometimes for many hours per day (4,5). Individuals suffering from BDD frequently focus attention on a body part to the point where it interferes with their social, emotional, educational, and occupational wellbeing (2,4,5).…”