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Body Dysmorphic Disorder Research Paper

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Body Dysmorphic Disorder and its Effects on Human Behavior Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a psychiatric disorder in which individuals have a preoccupation or obsession with an imagined or slight defect in their appearance (Wolrich, 2011, p. 101). The disorder is believed to affect approximately five million individuals in the United States (Wolrich, 2011, p. 104). Some consider BDD to be chronic, as the average duration of the disorder is 16 years (Wolrich, 2011, p. 104) but can be a lifelong struggle for some individuals. Throughout the course of the disorder, sufferers may experience social anxiety, obsessive thoughts, impaired social functioning and may exhibit compulsive behaviors. While there are numerous characteristics of BDD, each individual experiences the disorder differently and exhibits a variety of symptoms.
History of the Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) was formerly referred to as “dysmorphophobia” (Schieber, Zwaan, & Martin, 2015, p. 223) which literally translates to the “fear of having a deformity” (Wolrich, 2011, p. 102). “Dysmorphophobia” was first …show more content…
Wolrich (2011, p. 103) cites a study which concluded that 79% of participants with BDD had at least one comorbid Axis I diagnosis. Though there are numerous disorders which can co-occur with BDD, depression is by far the most prevalent comorbid disorder with 75% of BDD patients having a co-occurring diagnosis of depression (Wolrich, 2011, p. 103). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is also frequently found to be comorbid with BDD due to its similar features. Wolrich (2011, p. 103) also cites a study which stated a 39% comorbidity of OCD and BDD. Several other disorders that are often found to be comorbid with BDD are social phobia, various personality disorders, eating disorders, and alcohol or substance abuse (Wolrich, 2011, p.

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