Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Alternate Names : Dysmorphophobia, Obsession with Shame of the Body, Obsession De La Honte Du Corps, BDD
What are the treatments for the condition?
Antidepressant medicines can control the symptoms of BDD.
Counseling is often used to help the person deal with depression
and anxiety.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
may be used. The therapist helps the person change problematic beliefs
and create more realistic beliefs and attitudes.
At times, surgery is used to correct the perceived flaw. This
often doesn't succeed, since the root of BDD is more psychological than
physical.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects of the medicines used to treat BDD vary but may
include drowsiness and allergic reactions.
Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction
to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
It may take up to 3 months for medicine to take effect. If surgery
is done, the person often needs ongoing psychological treatment, since surgery
alone will not resolve his or her negative self-image.
How is the condition monitored?
Ongoing counseling may be needed to help the person with
BDD deal with anxiety
or depression
and to improve function at work and home.
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