Body Dysmorphic Disorder Definition
Tonight I was watching the Workout reunion show and besides the funny portions between the trainers reminiscing about what went on this season, there was one thing that stuck out to me. It was when Jackie Warner mentioned that many personal trainers get into the industry due to having body dysmorphic disorder. I had not even heard of the term until tonight, so I looked up its definition:
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental disorder that involves a disturbed body image. It is generally diagnosed in those who are extremely critical of their physique or self image, despite the fact there may be no noticeable disfigurement or defect. [Source: Wikipedia]
Around the time this was brought up during the show, they replayed clips of when the trainers had to have their own body fat checked as well as various scenes of some of them being anxious about showing specific parts their bodies. This doesn’t necessarily mean some of them are suffering from BDD as much as it is just being self-conscious.
We all have something we are self-conscious about and personal trainers are no different even when we view them as having “the perfect body.” However, it is good to know what the symptoms are:
Symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- Compulsive mirror checking, glancing in reflective doors, windows and other reflective surfaces.
- Alternatively, an inability to look at ones own reflection or photographs of oneself; often the removal of mirrors from the home.
- Compulsive skin-touching, especially to measure or feel the perceived defect.
- Reassurance seeking from loved ones.
- Social withdrawal and co-morbid depression.
- Obsessive viewing of favorite celebrities or models the person suffering from BDD may wish to resemble.
- Excessive grooming behaviors: combing hair, plucking eyebrows, shaving, etc.
- Obsession with plastic surgery or multiple plastic surgeries with little satisfactory results for the patient.
- In obscure cases patients have performed plastic surgery on themselves, including liposuction and various implants with disastrous results.
[Source: Wikipedia]
There are treatments for this disorder, the most common being CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.)
Tags: body dysmorphic disorder, bdd, personal trainers
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment