Health Care > How to Cope With Body Dysmorphic DisorderRelated Photo
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Body dysmorphic disorder is a common disorder affecting one percent of the population. A sufferer from this disorder sees himself as ugly or disfigured. The disorder is often present along with an eating disorder since both of them involve body image. Follow these steps to learn how to cope with body dysmorphic disorder.
Realize that a person with this disorder will probably deny they need help and resist treatment. Talk to the person in an understanding and nonthreatening way. Convince them to see a doctor to reassure both of you that nothing is wrong with them.
Seek treatment as soon as possible. Know that this is a serious disorder which carries a very high suicide rate. Symptoms often worsen instead of improve when there is no treatment.
Consider the use of antidepressant drugs for treating body dysmorphic disorder. It is currently thought the disorder may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Be understanding of a person with this disorder and don't criticize their behavior even though it may often be bizarre. Criticism will cause them more anxiety and they will withdraw further into their shell.
Discourage a sufferer from having any cosmetic surgery or unnecessary medical procedures. She will never be satisfied with the results and it could cause unnecessary physical harm and expense.
Encourage and help the sufferer to continue with regular psychotherapy. Reassure him that you will support him until he gets better.
