Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Natural Treatments

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), occasionally still called dysmorphophobia, is a mental disorder characterized by the obsessive idea that some aspect of one’s own body part or appearance is severely flawed and therefore warrants exceptional measures to hide or fix it. The thoughts about it are pervasive and intrusive and may occupy several hours a day, causing severe distress and impairing one’s otherwise normal activities. BDD is classified as a somatoform disorder, and the DSM-5 categorizes BDD in the obsessive-compulsive spectrum and distinguishes it from anorexia nervosa. Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System, if learned and practiced regularly can achieve positive development within a couple of months. 

Body dysmorphic disorder Meaning

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is estimated to affect from 0.7% to 2.4% of the population. It usually starts during adolescence and affects both men and women. The BDD subtype muscle dysmorphia, perceiving the body as too small, affects mostly males. 

Besides thinking about it, one repetitively checks and compares the perceived flaw, and can adopt unusual routines to avoid social contact that exposes it. Severely impairing quality of life via educational and occupational dysfunction and social isolation, BDD has high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide.

Who’s at risk for BDD the most?

Persons with an eating disorder

Those with any form of eating disorder, especially anorexia, cause an intense fear of weight gain. Bulimia is also likely to coexist with BDD, and the frequent use of “purging behaviors” associated with bulimia nervosa, such as using laxatives or vomiting can contribute to water retention and food cravings that spark even more anxiety over body image.

Adolescents

Adolescents are the most likely to develop BDD, but middle-aged adults also suffer.

Persons suffering from psychiatric illnesses

Those with other psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, avoidant personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Rigid personalities

People tend to have personalities that are very rigid, pervasive, controlling, inflexible, and critical. These types of character traits can contribute to harsh self-criticism, social withdrawal, and negative changes in thoughts/behaviors/interactions that cause relationship problems with others.

Those who weigh themselves often

People who weigh themselves often or who are exposed to frequent “weigh-ins,” especially those done in public settings, such as in gym class or by team coaches.

Sexual, or physical abuse

Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, recent trauma, or suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a severe form of anxiety that develops after a very traumatic emotional event which can cause social withdrawal, depression, shame, insecurity, mood swings, and trouble relating to others.

Having substance abuse

Those who have substance abuse problems, including alcohol, marijuana, prescriptions, or other illegal drugs.

Abusing weight-loss drugs

People who abuse “weight-loss drugs,” herbs, laxatives, teas, or medications in hopes of quickly losing weight.

Persons with ADHD

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD can increase social anxiety and restlessness, and recent research has shown that girls with ADHD are 2.7 times more likely to develop eating disorders than girls without.

Body image issues

There are even certain medical disorders that might seem unrelated to body issue concerns but can raise the risk for BDD and other body image issues. These include:

• Diabetes,
• Irritable Bowel Disease,
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and
• Thyroid disorders.

The reason these have some overlap with BDD is that they tend to cause increased focus on body weight changes and often require strict dietary changes, which can increase anxiety over food choices and potential weight gain.

Body dysmorphic disorder Symptoms

Misperceptions about physical appearance

Dislike of one’s appearance is common, but individuals who suffer from BDD have extreme misperceptions about their physical appearance. Whereas vanity involves a quest to aggrandize the appearance, BDD is experienced as a quest to normalize the appearance merely. Although delusional in about one of three cases, the appearance concern is usually non-delusional, an overvalued idea.

Perception about being excessively thin

The bodily area of focus can be nearly any and is commonly face, hair, and skin. In addition, multiple areas can be focused on simultaneously. A subtype of body dysmorphic disorder is bigorexia (anorexia reverse or muscle dysphoria).

In muscular dysphoria, patients perceive their body as excessively thin despite being muscular and trained. Many seek dermatological treatment or cosmetic surgery, which typically do not resolve the distress. On the other hand, attempts at self-treatment, as by skin picking, can create lesions where none previously existed.

Social anxiety disorder

BDD is an obsessive-compulsive disorder but involves more depression and social avoidance despite DOC. BDD is often associated with social anxiety disorder. Some experience delusions that others are covertly pointing out their flaws. Cognitive testing and neuroimaging suggest both a bias toward detailed visual analysis and a tendency toward emotional hyper-arousal.

Social avoidance or camouflaging

Most generally, one experiencing BDD ruminates over the perceived bodily defect several hours daily or longer, uses either social avoidance or camouflaging with cosmetics or apparel, repetitively checks the appearance, compares it to that of other people, and might often seek verbal reassurances. One might sometimes avoid mirrors, repetitively change outfits, groom excessively, or restrict eating.

Absences from school, work, or socializing

BDD’s severity can wax and wane, and flareups tend to yield absences from school, work, or socializing, sometimes leading to protracted social isolation, with some becoming housebound for extended periods. 

Social impairment is usually greatest, sometimes approaching avoidance of all social activities. Poor concentration and motivation impair academic and occupational performance. The distress of BDD tends to exceed that of either major depressive disorder or type-2 diabetes, and rates of suicidal ideation and attempts are especially high.

Body dysmorphic disorder Causes

As with most mental disorders, BDD’s cause is:

• Likely intricate,
• Altogether biopsychosocial,
• Through the interaction of multiple factors,
• Genetic,
• Developmental,
• Psychological,
• Social, and
• Cultural. 

BDD usually develops during early adolescence, although many patients note earlier trauma, abuse, neglect, teasing, or bullying. 

In many cases, social anxiety earlier in life precedes BDD. Though twin studies on BDD are few, one estimated its heritability at 43%. Yet other factors may be introversion, negative body image, perfectionism, heightened aesthetic sensitivity, and childhood abuse and neglect.

Social media

Constant use of social media and “selfie-taking” may translate into low self-esteem and body dysmorphic tendencies. The sociocultural theory of self-esteem states that the messages given by media and peers about the importance of appearance are internalized by individuals who adopt others’ standards of beauty as their own.

Due to excessive social media use and selfie-taking, individuals may become preoccupied with presenting an ideal photograph to the public. 

Low self-esteem and negative self-evaluation

Specifically, females’ mental health has been the most affected by persistent exposure to social media. Girls with BDD present symptoms of low self-esteem and negative self-evaluation. Researchers in Istanbul Bilgi University and Bogazici University in Turkey found that individuals who have low self-esteem participate more often in trends of taking selfies along with using social media to mediate their interpersonal interaction in order to fulfill their self-esteem needs. 

Using selfies to gain verification from others

The self-verification theory, explains how individuals use selfies to gain verification from others through likes and comments. Social media may therefore trigger one’s misconception about their physical look. Similar to those with body dysmorphic tendencies, such behavior may lead to constant seeking of approval, self-evaluation, and even depression.

Seeking plastic surgery

Individuals with BDD tend to engage in heavy plastic surgery use. Mayank Vats from Rashid Hospital in the UAE indicated that selfies may be the reason why young people seek plastic surgery with a 10% increase in nose jobs, a 7% increase in hair transplants, and a 6% increase in eyelid surgery in 2013. 

A 2018 systematic review

In 2018, the term “Snapchat Dysmorphia” was brought to life after several plastic surgeons reported that some of their patients were seeking plastic surgeries to mimic “filtered” pictures. Filtered photos, such as those on Instagram and Snapchat, often present unrealistic and unattainable looks that may be a causal factor in triggering BDD.

A 2019 systematic review

In 2019 systematic review using Web of Science, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases were used to identify social networking site patterns. In particular, appearance-focused social media use was found to be significantly associated with greater body image dissatisfaction.

It is highlighted that comparisons appear between body image dissatisfaction and BDD symptomatology. They concluded that heavy social media use may mediate the onset of sub-threshold BDD.

Body dysmorphic disorder Diagnosis

DSM-IV

Estimates of prevalence and gender distribution have varied widely via discrepancies in diagnosis and reporting. In American psychiatry, BDD gained diagnostic criteria in the DSM-IV, has been historically unrecognized, only making its first appearance in the DSM in 1987, but clinicians’ knowledge of it, especially among general practitioners, is constricted. Meanwhile, shame about having the bodily concern, and fear of the stigma of vanity, make many hides even having the concern.

Misdiagnosed as Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

Via shared symptoms, BDD is commonly misdiagnosed as social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, or social phobia. Social anxiety disorder and BDD are highly comorbid, developing similarly in patients. BDD is even classified as a subset of SAD by some researchers. 

Specialized questioning

Correct diagnosis can depend on specialized questioning and correlation with emotional distress or social dysfunction. Estimates place the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire’s sensitivity at 100% and specificity at 92.5%. 

BDD is also comorbid with eating disorders, up to 12% comorbidity in one study. Both eating and body dysmorphic disorders are concerned with physical appearance, but eating disorders tend to focus more on weight rather than one’s general appearance.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

BDD is classified as an obsessive-compulsive disorder in DSM-5. It is important to treat people suffering from BDD as soon as possible because the person may have already been suffering for an extended period of time and BDD has a high suicide rate, at 2-12 times higher than the national average.

Body dysmorphic disorder Treatment

Medication and psychotherapy

Anti-depressant medication, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered effective. SSRIs can help relieve obsessive-compulsive and delusional traits, while cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients recognize faulty thought patterns. Before treatment, it can help to provide psychoeducation, as with self-help books and support websites.

Self-improvement

For many people with BDD cosmetic surgery does not work to alleviate the symptoms of BDD as their opinion of their appearance is not grounded in reality. It is recommended that cosmetic surgeons and psychiatrists work together in order to screen surgery patients to see if they suffer from BDD, as the results of the surgery could be harmful to them.

Body dysmorphic disorder Natural treatments

Identify Co-existing Disorders

There is plenty that someone struggling with BDD can do on their own to improve recovery and manage symptoms, but seeing a therapist is still encouraged.

Because body dysmorphic disorder coexists with many other psychiatric illnesses and sometimes even other medical problems, so it’s important to visit a professional for a physical exam and psychiatric evaluation. More often than not, other abnormal behaviors can be identified by a therapist or doctor, including:

• Anxiety,
• Depression,
• Substance abuse,
• Excessive exercise, and
• Insomnia.

Determining what other disorders accompany BDD is the first step to treating its underlying causes and establishing priorities for treatment to reduce symptoms.

Early warning sides and symptoms

Recognizing when healthy eating, self-improvement, and exercise patterns start to turn into obsessions is an important step for anyone with a history of body image issues, plus their family members and close friends. Strict rituals around weight and appearance usually take form gradually, so intercepting them early on when they start to cause anxiety is the best way to prevent them from worsening.

Women are more likely to obsess over their weight, skin, hair, clothing, and facial features, while men might develop an obsession that their build is too small or not muscular enough (muscle dysmorphia). 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

According to a 2004 report in the Official Journal of The World Psychiatric Association, “The psychosocial treatment of choice for BDD is cognitive behavioral therapy, consisting of elements such as:

• Exposure,
• Response prevention,
• Behavioral experiments, and
• Cognitive restructuring.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of underlying thoughts in determining how we feel and act.

CBT is also used in the treatment of body image issues to reduce repetitive behaviors such as mirror checking and excessive grooming.

Reduce stress 

High amounts of stress and anxiety can be triggers for body image issues and body distortion. Meditation and other “mind-body” practices can help increase self-esteem, self-worth, and self-compassion, which are important for preventing body image issues and anxiety.

Mindfulness works similarly to CBT in that it helps increase self-awareness and identify underlying thoughts and limit self-beliefs that might be contributing to BDD. Certain studies have found evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindful eating programs and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of various eating disorders, symptoms of body dissatisfaction, and social anxiety. 

Stick to a balanced, nourishing Diet

For people with BDD whose symptoms are mostly related to their body weight, it’s crucial to learn to set realistic goals for what it means to eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy BMI. A nutritionist and/or therapist can help someone with BDD to create a balanced diet plan that includes enough energy, nutrients and meets their needs overall while considering their unique body shape and size.

Learning “intuitive eating” or mindful eating are two approaches to achieving sustainable healthy eating and body acceptance. Intuitive eaters believe that blame over flaws regarding someone’s appearance shouldn’t be put on a person suffering, but instead on the flawed process of achieving perfection portrayed by the media and of dieting.

Other effective ways for BDD

• Doing something creative and fun for a period of time each day
• Joining a support group online or in-person
• Trying yoga, Tai Chi, or other mind-body exercises
• Branching out to try new activities, join a team, or volunteer
• Writing in a journal. This can include making a “values list” of traits that are important for well-being beyond appearance
• Spending more time outdoors in nature, including earthing
• Regularly exercising
• Practicing deep breathing
• Practicing prayer and other forms of spirituality
• Fostering relationships with supportive people

Siddha remedies for Body dysmorphic disorder

1. Siddha preventive measures

Everybody must practice Siddha preventive measures, whether a person is affected with body dysmorphic disorder or not, but preventive measures are the primary steps for switching on to any other Siddha remedies, and hence they are important. It helps in one’s capability, effectiveness, and productivity, decision-making power, intellectuality, and removing minor health problems. There are three types of preventive measures:

• Earthing – performed for removing and earthing the negativity of our body
• Field cleaning – cleans the energy field (Aura) of our body
• Siddha brain exercise/Energizing – energizes our brain for proper functionality

Everybody’s tendency is to get attracted to the word ‘free, however, don’t neglect even these Siddha preventive measures are free. Avail of the benefits by practicing them sincerely, and regularly. For the ease of understanding what Siddha preventive measures are, please watch a video for a live demonstration.

2. Siddha Shaktidata Yog

This unique Siddha Shaktidata Yog of Siddha Spirituality can solve the problems related to body dysmorphic disorder with Siddha remedies. There is no compulsion of training of ‘Swami Hardas Life System’ methods. This not only gives benefits to self but also it can be used for other affected persons, whether a person is in the same house, distantly available in the same city, same nation, or might be in any corner of the world, however, both the procedures have been explained here.

3. Siddha Kalyan Sadhana

Recite this Sadhana with a Sankalp “My problems of body dysmorphic disorder are solved as early as possible and I should gain health”, which should be repeated in mind 3 – 3 times every after each stanza. Any person irrespective of caste, creed, religion, faith, sex, and age can recite this Sadhana for free, which should be repeated at least twice a day. To know more, please click on this link.

4. CCPE products for Body dysmorphic disorder

These products work on the concepts of ‘Conceptual Creative Positive Energy’ (CCPE) within the provisions of the ‘CCPE Life System’ and the theory of Quantum Technology to a certain extent. However, the products get activated only whenever touched by a human and then they become capable of solving the problem and achieving health. However, please use these products for body dysmorphic disorder as mentioned below:

CCPE Extractor: The CCPE Extractor should be gently moved over the Agya Chakra in a circular motion at least for 30 to 60 seconds, thereafter, follow the same process on the head which finishes within almost 1-2 minutes.

CCPE Booster: Keep one Booster over the Agya Chakra and another over the head for 3 minutes. You may need to have 2 Boosters, which establishes positivity. 

CCPE Booster Powder: Mix a pinch of CCPE booster powder with a few drops of coconut oil and make a paste. Apply it over the forehead and leave it for about 30 minutes. Repeat the process every after 2 hours.

5. UAM for body dysmorphic disorder

For quick and effective results, it is advisable to learn the unique methods of the Swami Hardas Life System. A trained person can only apply the UAM method himself/herself and become capable of healing others.

A daily routine 

In general, a daily routine may look like this:

• Consume Sattvic diet
• Perform breathing exercises regularly
• Perform Ashtanga Yoga or Hatha Yoga regularly
• Apply free Siddha remedies a minimum 3 times a day, as explained above
• Perform Swayamsiddha Agnihotra daily, either self or caretaker can perform
• In case, if someone wishes to learn advanced methods of Swami Hardas Life System, undergo unique training

Ensure to sprinkle in some fun during the day: Don’t forget to relax and laugh in between. Laughing is a great way to boost your immune system and help you.

Along with all the above activities, apply above explained free Siddha remedies minimum 3 times a day, the more is good. Just try the methods of Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System. I am confident that you will surely find improvements within 3 days.

Training of Swami Hardas Life System

Any health, peace, and the progress-related problem can be solved independently by undergoing Swami Hardas Life System training. It needs no money and medicines. Any person irrespective of religion, caste, creed, faith, sex, and age can undergo this unique training.

Conclusion

Because of the above, I am confident that you have learned about body dysmorphic disorder, its definition, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, natural treatments, and Siddha remedies. Now, you have become self-sufficient, hence it’s the right time to use your acquired knowledge for solving problems as per the provision available in Siddha Spirituality of Swami Hardas Life System.

However, keep learning and practicing the free Siddha remedies, which would help guide how to solve various problems regarding health, peace, and progress, without money and medicines.

After reading this article, how would you rate it? Would you please let me know your precious thoughts? 

Frequently asked questions

Before posting your query, kindly go through them:

What is Body dysmorphic disorder? It is a psychological disorder in which a person becomes obsessed with imaginary defects in their appearance.

 

What are the best Siddha remedies for Body dysmorphic disorder? A daily routine may look like this: consume Sattvic diet, perform breathing exercises regularly, perform Ashtanga Yoga or Hatha Yoga regularly, apply free Siddha remedies a minimum 3 times a day, as explained above, perform Swayamsiddha Agnihotra daily, either self or caretaker can perform, and in case, if someone wishes to learn advanced methods of Swami Hardas Life System, undergo unique training. Ensure to sprinkle in some fun during the day: Don’t forget to relax and laugh in between. Laughing is a great way to boost your immune system and help you.

 

Reference:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_dysmorphic_disorder
• https://draxe.com/health/body-dysmorphic-disorder/