Facial Dysmorphia and Tips for Prevention

A few people may find that they begin to look slightly different even when friends and family do not point this out. Some people got so addicted to this act that they constantly bothered everybody with questions regarding their looks. This is not a habit that one performs but some psychological condition termed “facial dysmorphia”.

The signs of facial dysmorphia are minor to observe by another person rather than a victim. Therefore, to avoid falling into any embarrassing situation of having to go for expensive surgeries, it is safe you visit a healthcare psychiatrist. You may talk about the changes in your face and may wonder if there are people who noticed the changes or if they’re just imagining it.

What is Facial Dysmorphia?

Facial Dysmorphia is a mental health condition in which a person experiences a wrapped condition. The person might observe the changing features in the nose, eyes, and even forehead. These are very minor changes that are neglectable or even ignored.

Continuous observation of dysmorphic facial features sometimes leads to anxiety disorder. It leads to the boundness in the home by the low confidence and self-imagination that their face is ugly and they are going to hate them one day. Such type of thoughts later cause suicide. Therefore, early treatment is vital to get out of this condition.

Symptoms of Facial Dysmorphia

The symptoms and signs of facial dysmorphia include:

• Excessive concern with an imagined defect in appearance that others cannot see or a slight physical anomaly.
• A strong belief that you have a defect in your appearance that appears in nature making you ugly or deformed.
• A belief that others take special notice of you in a negative manner relative to their appearance and habits.
• Engaging in behaviors, with the intention of “fixing” the perceived flaws.
• continually checking the mirror, grooming, or skin picking.
• Flaw-concealing styling, make-up, clothing.
• Frequent checking of appearance compared to others.
• Excessive reassurance seeking on appearance.

What Causes Facial Dysmorphia?

Although there is no specific reason for facial dysmorphia, the following variables can contribute to its development:

• A family history of bodily dysmorphia.
• Childhood traumas or emotional conflicts.
• A fastidious personality.
• Low self-esteem.
• Influence from society to look a specific way.
• Some neurobiological factors that influence brain structure and function.
• Life-changing steps such as aging, pregnancy, and puberty.
• Genetic factors that transfer psychological conditions to generations.

Body Dysmorphia Types

I. Muscle Dysmorphia

If you feel that your body is not big or muscular enough, you might work out excessively, count calories, wear extra clothes to look bigger, strictly control your food intake, or stick to a strict dieting plan. It sometimes is called “bigorexia” or “reverse anorexia.” It may overlap with an eating disorder but isn’t typically an eating disorder.

II. Body Dysmorphia by Proxy

You tend to focus too much on flaws that you feel exist in someone’s appearance, be it a friend or a stranger. It causes anxiety and influences the performance of the person. You may engage in repetitive acts to alleviate anxiety or guilt.

Examples of Facial Dysmorphia

Here are the examples of dysmorphic face that are given below:

• Comparing
• Mirror checking
• Avoiding mirrors
• Seeking reassurance
• Skin picking
• Constantly exercising
• Excessive grooming
• Seeking cosmetic surgery
• Avoid social situations

Is Facial Dysmorphia A Mental Illness?

Yes, facial dysmorphia is a mental illness that needs psychiatric attention and recommendation. In reality, there are no changes in facial features but some negative thoughts that lead you towards anxiety and depression. Practitioners estimate that as much as 2% of the population suffers from facial and body dysmorphia.

Similarly, the disease is equally likely to occur in both men and women. The cause of the illness is also unknown, although it is much more likely to develop in people who were physically or emotionally abused in their childhood. Statistics also say that dysmorphia is hereditary.

How to Treat Facial Dysmorphia?

1. Psychotherapy

CBT is a form of talking therapy that aims to show connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can also assist you acquire practical management abilities.

CBT for BDD aims to reduce your anxiety about your body by:

• Assisting you in changing your attitude on body image.
• Physical characteristics and appearance.
• Exploring your worries about your perceived physical flaws.
• Reducing your need to carry out compulsive behaviors.

2. Medications

Antidepressants may be administered, either alone or in conjunction with CBT, if:

• CBT is unsuccessful in treating BDD.
• Your BDD has a moderate to severe impact on your daily life.

Your doctor will most likely prescribe an antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). These can assist in alleviating compulsive thoughts and actions. Medication is considered the prompt treatment for facial dysmorphia as patients observe the sudden changes in thoughts and positive lift in themselves.

Impact of Facial Dysmorphia on Mental Health

People having the issue of dysmorphia experience sudden and swift mood changes, less confidence, or feeling isolated from others. People with such type of disorder often think to commit suicide or think negatively. The most common types of reasons for having hallucinations include:

• Severe depression
• Social anxiety
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Prevention Tips for Facial Dysmorphia

i. Challenge Societal Beauty Standards

Question false beauty norms propagated by media and popular culture, and instead prioritize diversity and authenticity in sight.

ii. Limit Social Media Exposure

Be careful of the influence of social media on self-esteem and body image, and think about taking pauses or curating your feed to include varied and body-positive material.

iii. Practice Gratitude

Instead of focusing on perceived defects, appreciate the unique features and virtues of your look and personality.

iv. Seek Support

If you’re battling with body image issues, talk to your friends, family, or a psychiatrist. Early intervention can help prevent dysmorphic ideas from worsening.

v. Foster Self-Compassion

Cultivate confidence and kindness toward yourself, acknowledging that no one is flawless and that flaws are a normal aspect of being human.

End Note

Facial dysmorphia is a mental health condition that refers to the imagination of change in facial features. It is the condition in which a person imagines illogical things that leads to anxiety and depression. By learning the tips and preventive steps, you may overcome or manage the challenge. Apart from that, the most vital thing is to seek some professional help from any mental health expert. You may discuss all the issues facing external changes in facial features.

You may also learn to manage the signs of facial dysmorphia by adopting novel treatment techniques. If you observe someone standing in front of the mirror for hours and pin out the changes in the facial features, there is some disorder associated. So, you may reach out to MAVA Behavioral Health to get expert assistance and a suitable treatment solution.