BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder)
Before you read the webpage please read the following notes:
NOTE 1 – We are giving you an overview of this condition in a question and answer format so you have some information for when you talk to a health professional. We have not discussed how to diagnose this condition, the types of treatment available for this condition and how you as the parent can help your child. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a healthcare plan or special educational needs plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
NOTE 2 – Children can suffer from more than one condition at any one time. This is known as comorbid.
NOTE 3 – The exact cause of many of the conditions we have written about is unknown. Research is continuing. There can often be a genetic component which when inherited can make an individual prone to the condition. There are also other factors which can play a part in the development of the condition and can trigger it. We have detailed these factors in each write up.
NOTE 4 – Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
WHAT IS BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER (BDD)?
Body dysmorphic disorder is when an individual is severely stressed and worried about their appearance or specific parts of their body. They have a distorted view of their body and appearance. They can be critical and point out minor flaws which often are not really visible or believable to others.
Children with BDD are regarded as children with special educational needs. It is a mental health condition.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is also known as body dysmorphia or BDD.
This disorder is most prevalent in teens and affects boys and girls equally.
LINK TO NHS WEBSITE FOR BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER (BDD)
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH BDD DISPLAY?
The symptoms an individual with BDD may have are:
- They are preoccupied and convinced of their flaws. Flaws can be such things as body hair, wrinkles, scars, acne, body size, and the shape and size of facial features.
- They can obsess over tiny details in their appearance.
- Putting a great deal of effort and time into covering up the flaws they think they have. This can result in excessive grooming.
- They can spend a great deal of time in front of the mirror. Some people do the opposite and avoid mirrors.
- They are critical of themselves and compare themselves to others.
- They often avoid social gatherings and interactions as they are embarrassed by the flaws in their appearance.
BDD can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. It can also lead to individuals isolating themselves by avoiding others and social settings. BDD can also lead to relationship breakdown or none at all.
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE BDD BORN WITH IT OR IS IT ACQUIRED?
The exact cause of BDD is unknown however, scientists believe there may be a genetic link so it can be an inherited condition.
There are other factors that can contribute and increase the risk of an individual developing BDD such trauma, having very low self-esteem, negative comments about their appearance and body, and being bullied.
Another cause that has recently been put forward that can result in BDD is the over viewing of social media images that make others look perfect. Often these images have been edited. These images can make an individual feel inadequate and ugly.
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF BDD?
Children aged between 12 years to 13 years of age can start to show the first signs of BDD.
CAN BDD GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
BDD once diagnosed can be managed and controlled with treatment. It cannot be cured. It cannot also be prevented.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BDD?
There are different types of BDD. They are:
1. Muscle dysmorphia – This individual feels that their body is too thin and they are not muscular. To counter this feeling they may use steroids, have surgery, implants, and obsessively work out.
2. Skin-picking dysmorphia – This individual will constantly pick at their skin because all they see are flaws in their skin. This can result in broken skin, infections,legions, and scarring. Another name for this type of dysmorphia is excoriation.
3. Hair-pulling dysmorphia – This individual will constantly pull their hair off parts of their body such as scalp, eyebrows, genitals and eyelashes. They may also feel their hair is not the correct colour or style so they may keep on colouring it or obsessively trying new styles. Another name for this type of dysmorphia is trichotillomania.
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE FOR TRICHOTILLOMANIA
4. Nail-biting dysmorphia – This individual constantly is biting their nails and damaging them in the process. Another name for this type of dysmorphia is onychophagia.
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS BDD?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for BDD. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage and control the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS BDD CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from BDD can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has BDD you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has BDD.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns if your child has BDD. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has BDD and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.