Body Dysmorphic Disorder (continued)

A teen with has BDD may avoid going to school, quit a part-time job, or just stay at home all the time. BDD can lead to depression and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. A teen with BDD may ask to see a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon to correct a seeming appearance flaw. But with BDD, whatever the fix or treatment, obsession with appearance will continue.

Treating BDD

If you're concerned that your son or daughter has BDD, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. A careful assessment can help to clarify what's causing the distress and whether BDD is behind it. Many times, people with BDD are so focused on appearance that they (and those who love them) believe the answer is about correcting the appearance. If someone you love has BDD, you probably already know that no amount of reassurance seems to quiet the distress for long.

The problem with BDD lies in the obsessions and compulsions, which distort body image and make those who have it feel ugly. It's hard for them to see that, because they believe that what they perceive is truly there. Sometimes the most challenging part is helping someone accept a new idea of what might help.

BDD can be treated by an experienced mental health professional. Usually, treatment involves a particular type of talk therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and helps to correct the pattern behind the body image distortion and distress.

A therapist can help someone examine and change his or her faulty beliefs, resist compulsive behaviors, and face stressful situations that trigger appearance concerns. Sometimes, but not always, medication is used with the therapy. The treatment takes time, hard work, and patience. Support from family members can help a great deal.

It is often useful for parents to be involved in some aspects of the treatment, too, especially if a parent has been participating in the teen's compulsions by providing repeated reassurance. Parents in this situation need to know how to best respond to their teen's anxiety, distress, and requests for reassurance.

It's also helpful to tell the therapist about any family members who have experienced other conditions that involve obsessions and compulsions, anxiety disorders, or depression. If a parent is dealing with BDD, OCD, depression, or another related condition, it's important to mention this and for the parent to get treatment too. If a teen with BDD is also dealing with depression, anxiety, feeling isolated or alone, or dealing with difficult life situations, the therapy also can address those issues.

Getting Help for BDD

Body dysmorphic disorder, like other obsessions, can interfere with your teen's life — robbing it of pleasure and draining his or her energy.

It's not always easy to find the help you may need for your family. Your doctor, health care network, or community mental health center can direct you to local resources. Your son or daughter might resist your offer to see a mental health professional, so you might need to be persistent.

Though living with a person who's dealing with BDD can be frustrating and difficult, avoid blame, anger, or guilt. BDD is no one's fault. But with help and time, relief is possible. An experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is knowledgeable about BDD can help break the grip of the disorder.