CCED understands the behavioral and emotional components of body image disorder (body dysmorphic disorder) and the serious effects they have on individuals. We encourage you to speak with our Trusted Specialist.
Body image disorder, or body dysmorphic disorder, is an emotionally painful experience that refers to an imagined defect in physical appearance. Or, if a slight physical irregularity is present, the individual’s concern is extreme.
Negative body image disorder is a pervasive aspect of eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa. Individuals seeking help at CCED will receive extensive and on-going support in learning to tolerate and distract from — and then replace — these negative thoughts and perceptions.
Signs of Body Image Disorder
Body image disorder, or body dysmorphic disorder, causes extreme distress in individuals, and typically results in compulsive “checking” of the perceived flaw, also known as “body checking.”
Although not fully understood, there is evidence that the disorder is related to differences in the neurological system, either through an atypical sensory perception process or through an organizational dysfunction that allows over-focus on minor or irrelevant things.
Body Image Disorder Effects
With a perceived distortion of body size and shape, patients are likely to experience difficulty with personal relations and functioning in social environments, along with discomfort with their body sensations and feelings.