The disease that made Megan Fox hate her body

America Known as Hollywood beauty, Megan Fox always felt ugly because of body dysmorphic syndrome.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition in which people are preoccupied with physical flaws that others cannot see. In their eyes, even small physical problems can cause low self-esteem, sadness, and stress.

"I can't see myself the way other people see me," the 37-year-old beauty shared in an interview with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2023. She has also been open about her mental illness in the past.

This syndrome has many similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), causing long-term distress. A typical form of BDD is obsessive-compulsive disorder, which usually affects men.

BDD takes a toll on a person’s mental health and self-esteem. Many sufferers struggle daily with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. They become reclusive and have difficulty in everyday relationships.

Body dysmorphic disorder is different from eating disorders, which are obsessive thoughts about weight that often lead to extreme dieting and exercise behaviors, according to Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist at California State University.

The concerns of people with BDD are often not about visible issues like scars, height, or being overweight. The flaws are often small compared to the distress and anxiety they cause, Dr. Durvasula explains. This is why many people with superior physical appearance still feel self-conscious.

Reason

According to experts at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, there is no specific cause of BDD. It affects about one in 50 Americans, with men and women affected equally.

The disorder often appears during adolescence, a particularly difficult time for young people because their bodies are undergoing many changes.

In some cases, there is a genetic predisposition, says Ann Kearney-Cooke, a psychologist in Cincinnati. In other cases, the disorder is triggered by negative childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or bullying. The person then becomes sensitive to physical imperfections.

Culture also plays a role. Perfectionism, says Kearney-Cooke, increases self-obsession in some people. It cannot be cured, and its severity increases over time.

Actress Megan Fox in Glamour magazine. Photo: Glamour — Actress Megan Fox in Glamour magazine. Photo: *Glamour*

Symptom

Symptoms vary from person to person, but a common symptom is a persistent preoccupation with a physical flaw. This leads to obsessive behaviors such as staring at the mirror for long periods of time, taking multiple photos with their phones to assess their flaws. They often feel embarrassed, ashamed, or try to cover up their problems, seeking reassurance and comparing themselves to others. This is exacerbated in the age of social media.

In addition to the psychological harm, the disorder can cause financial losses. In many cases, patients decide to undergo cosmetic surgery, participate in expensive dermatological treatments, and dental interventions. According to experts, this behavior temporarily reduces the suffering. However, the obsessive feeling still exists, accumulating over time, causing the needs to increase. From there, patients continue to seek medical services to change their appearance in a vicious cycle.

Diagnose

There is currently no universal test to diagnose the condition. People who suspect they may have it should speak to a medical professional or psychologist for a more accurate assessment.

Doctors typically consider whether a person's obsessions or preoccupations are interfering with their life, causing "social and occupational distress," according to Dr. Durvasula.

“For example, some people spend so much time or money worrying about their appearance that they can't go to school or don't have a job. They don't socialize with friends, they no longer have social connections,” Durvasula says.

BDD is treatable, but it cannot be cured. Treatment options vary for each patient, but doctors often recommend a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medication.

“We try to teach people how to identify what their thinking is, how they counteract their distorted thoughts,” says Kearney-Cooke.

Thuc Linh (According to Washington Post )

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