Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is defined as a preoccupation with an imagined defect in one’s appearance. This perception of ugliness prevents the individual from functioning in many areas of life. The preoccupation is associated with many time consuming rituals such as mirror gazing or constant complaining. Many people may have some complaints about their body or appearance, but those with BDD are severely impacted by those negative obsessions with their inaccurate perceptions. They often have needless dermatological treatment and cosmetic surgery. BDD individuals have a distorted body image, which may be associated with bullying or abuse during childhood or adolescence.
Such individuals have a poor quality of life, are socially isolated, depressed, and at a high risk of committing suicide. With a completed suicide rate more than double that of major depression, and a suicidal ideation rate of almost 80%, BDD is considered a major risk factor for suicide.
BDD and Suicide: The Research
Dr. Katharine Phillips and her team at Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, studied the relationship between suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in body dysmorphic disorder. Dr. Phillips is an internationally recognized researcher and expert on body dysmorphic disorder at Brown Research.
Method
From January 2001 to June 2003, subjects diagnosed with BDD were recuited from diverse sources and were assessed with standard measures.
Results
- Subjects had high rates of lifetime suicidal ideation (78%)
- Subjects had high rates of lifetime suicide attempts (27.5%)
- BDD was the primary reason for suicidal ideation (70.5%) and attempts (50%)
- Suicidal subjects often did not reveal their BDD symptoms to their clinician
Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts Associated With:
- Lifetime functional impairment due to BDD
- Current functional impairment
- Lifetime bipolar disorder
- Any personality disorder
- Comorbid personality disorder
- Comorbid lifetime major depression
- Delusional appearance beliefs
- Lifetime posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- An eating disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Greater lifetime impairment due to BDD
Conclusion of Research
Individuals with BDD have high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Lifetime impairment due to BDD and certain co-morbid disorders (depression, PTSD, substance abuse, etc) are associated with suicidality.
Help for Individuals with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
This condition is commonly trivialized and stigmatized. There is evidence for the benefit of cognitive behavior therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in high doses for at least 12 weeks, as in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. There is no evidence of any benefit of antipsychotic drugs or other forms of psychotherapy. If you believe you or someone you know may have BDD, please seek professional help immediately. If left untreated, BDD can worsen over time and last a lifetime. Don’t let your life disintegrate. Get help before it’s too late.
Source:
Phillips, K.A., Coles, M.E., Menard, W. Yen, S., Fay, C., & Weisberg, R.B. (2005). Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in body dysmorphic disorder, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 66, 717-25.
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Angela Wilson - Angela has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Services. With a passion for helping ...
